Lauretta Kathleen Ashby

LAURETTA KATHLEEN ASHBY May 11, 1945 - November 23, 2017     Lauretta Kathleen Ashby, age 72, of Menahga, MN, peacefully entered the glory of heaven on Thursday evening, November 23, 2017 at the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga surrounded by her loved ones.   Lauretta was born on May 11, 1945 in Sanduski, Ohio to George and Myrtle (Klucas) Conklin.  She attended public elementary and middle school in Vermillion, Ohio until moving with her family to Nevada, Iowa.  As a young woman she ventured to California where she met a young airman named Alon Gene Ashby.  The two fell in love and were united in marriage on November 20, 1964 at the Castle Air Force Base near Winton, CA.  Their marriage was blessed with three daughters and one son.  After Lonnie received his honorable discharge, the young couple moved to Nevada, Iowa where Lauretta devoted herself to making a loving home for her husband and children.  She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her delicious cookies, bars and cakes.  In 1972, the young family moved to Park Rapids, MN where they engaged in dairy farming southeast of Park Rapids.  In 2005, they returned to Iowa where they resided for the next ten years.  They returned to Minnesota in 2015 and settled in Menahga to be closer to their children and grandchildren.  Over the years, Lauretta loved doing needlework and sewing clothes for her children and grandchildren.  She was blessed with a great measure of artistic talent and enjoyed painting with acrylics.  Above all, Lauretta devoted her life to her husband, children and grandchildren who she loved with all her heart.    She will be forever remembered by her husband, Lonnie; her four children: Alon (Jackie) Ashby of Glynden, MN; Yalonda (Jeff) Fix of Menahga, MN, Tracy Grangruth of Menahga and Tammy (William) Meyer of Menahga, MN;  15 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren; three sisters: Roberta Jameson of Norwalk, Ohio; Rebecca Williams of Nevada, Iowa and Karen Hobbs of Louisville, Kentucky;  one brother, George Conklin of Socorro, New Mexico; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives.    Lauretta was preceded in death by her parents and one great granddaughter.    Funeral services will be held 11 AM Thursday Morning, November 30, 2017 at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga.  Her casket bearers will be; grandchildren: Beth Allen, Brandy Kruger, Jessica Atkinson, Victoria Myers, Ashley Leritz, Chris Leritz, Levi Myers and Samantha Ashby.  The rest of her grandchildren will serve as honorary casket bearers. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga and will continue on Thursday beginning at 10 AM.  Following the funeral service the Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post #6206 Auxiliary will host a luncheon for all. To leave on line condolences please visit www.cardinipearson.com