Betty (Sturgis) Ashby

Betty Sturgis Ashby, 87, a long-time resident of Exmore, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2017, at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock, Virginia.

Mrs. Ashby was born and raised on a farm outside of Painter, Virginia.  She was predeceased by her parents, Clarence E. Sturgis and Bessie M. Sturgis, a sister, Regina S. Savage, her daughter, Robin A. Nelson, and her husband, Albert R. Ashby, Sr.

Mrs. Ashby attended Accomack County Schools and graduated from Central High School in Painter.  After working in the insurance industry, Mrs. Ashby joined her husband as the co-owner/operator of Ashby Produce Company of Exmore, for more than forty years.  Mrs. Ashby was active in many produce business trade associations, and once was named the “Sweet Potato Queen”.

Mrs. Ashby was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Exmore, and Colonial Baptist Church of Belle Haven, Virginia.  Mrs. Ashby’s community service included several years as a Girl Scout Leader, a member of the Soroptimist Club, secretary/treasurer of the Society for the Preservation of the Belle Haven Cemetery, and the recording secretary for the original Board of Directors for Broadwater Academy.

She is survived by a son, A. R. Ashby, Jr. and his wife Susan Martin, of Exmore; a sister-in-law, Ethel Ashby of Williamsburg, Virginia; three grandchildren, Nan Ashby Nelson of Portsmouth, Virginia, Randall Joseph Nelson, Jr. and his wife Alicia, of Carrollton, Virginia, and Andrew Ashby of Exmore; and a great grandson, Nathan T. Nelson of Carrollton.  Mrs. Ashby is also survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as many loving friends.

A graveside service will be conducted at the Belle Haven Cemetery, Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., with The Reverends Mikang Kim and Jack D. Pruitt officiating.  There will be a visitation at the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home, Wednesday, May 10, 2017, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:  Epworth United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 488, Exmore, Virginia  23350, Colonial Baptist Church, 17353 Main Street Painter, Virginia  23420, or to the American Diabetes Association, 870 Greenbrier Circle, Suite 404, Chesapeake, Virginia  23320.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.