Erika Betty (Staudigl) Ashley

Erika Betty (Staudigl) Ashley was born May 3, 1933 in Neumarkt, Germany to Otto and Maria Staudigl. She was of the Catholic faith and grew up and attended school in Germany. Erika and her family were World War II survivors. Erika met her sweetheart, Jack Lee Ashley, while living in Columbia, Missouri. The two fell in love and on January 14, 1967 they were united in marriage. Erika and Jack shared nearly fifty-six years of marriage together. Erika was blessed with five children: Manfred, Bill, Allison, Suzanne, and Brian. In her younger years, Erika worked as a shoe designer in Germany. She was very talented and enjoyed working with her hands. A skilled seamstress, she worked in several factories. Her love and talent for sewing was expressed beautifully in her costumes for porcelain dolls. Erika loved to crochet and knit, she generously knitted sweaters, hats, and booties and donated them to the Salvation Army every year for Christmas. Erika was an avid gardener, often sharing her bounty with her neighbors, friends, and family. She was an excellent cook and loved cooking family meals. Her favorite holiday was Christmas and she enjoyed decorating her home. Erika was a lover and advocate of all animals. Her family was most important to her and she treasured the time spent making memories with them. Erika entered into rest January 8, 2023 surrounded by her loving family at home in Rolla, Missouri at the age of eighty-nine years. She leaves behind, her loving husband: Jack Ashley of Rolla, MO; children: Bill Walker and wife Gala of Kansas, Allison Evins and husband Bret of Colorado, Suzanne Ashley of Rolla, MO, and Brian Ashley and wife Linda of Salem, MO; grandchildren: Stacy, Aimee, Amanda, Melissa, Shawn, Eva Maria, Ismeida, Alece, Michelle, Melissa, Rhiannon, and Nuvia; fourteen great-grandchildren; extended family and dear friends. Preceding her in death, son: Manfred Staudigl; parents: Otto and Maria Staudigl; and brother: Kurt Staudigl. Erika was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Her legacy of love and zest for live will live on in those who loved her most. Erika will be forever missed. Funeral Services for Erika Betty (Staudigl) Ashley were held Monday, January 16, 2023 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Kelly Hay and Bret Evins officiating. Song selections played were “Amazing Grace”, “Old Rugged Cross”, “I’ll Fly Away”, “In Jesus Name”, and “I Can Only Imagine”. Graveside Services were held Tuesday, January 17, 2023 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Waynesville, Missouri. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Online Condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Erika Betty (Staudigl) Ashley

May 3, 1933 - January 8, 2023