Marie Ashby, 101, passed away Monday Sept. 7, 2009 at the Amber Manor Nursing Home in Petersburg.

Born Feb. 7, 1908 in Pike Co., she was the daughter of Cleveland and Mae (Powers) Beard.

She was a homemaker. She lived in the Littles area most of her life and had attended the Littles General Baptist Church.

Survivors include a daughter Mary Ruth Copple of Winslow; two sons, Gerald (Dixie) Hale of Portage, Kenny (Kaye) Hale of Winslow, several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Claude Nelson Hale; her second husband, Lowell Ashby in 1997; eight children, Goldie Bradfield, Donald Hale, Vivian Grubb, Dave Hale, Lewis Hale, Terry Hale, Karen Ham, Joan Hale; five brothers and sisters; one grandson; and one great-grandson.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2009 at Corn Colvin Funeral Home in Oakland City, with the Rev. Keith Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Martin Cemetery near Glezen.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.