Kinder-
Kelly Joseph Ashford, 89, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on October 14, 2014. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 17, 2014 at 2 p.m. in St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. Rev. Keith Pellerin will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Augustine Mausoleum of Basile under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home of Kinder.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday, October 16, 2014, from 4-9 p.m. at Ardoin Funeral Home of Kinder. A Vigil Service will be held at 6 p.m. followed by the Holy Rosary. Visitation will resume on Friday morning from 8 a.m. until time of service.
Kelly was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He served our country in the United States Army during World War II. He was a rice and soybean farmer and a welder. He loved to work in his garden which was known as the "pea patch". Kelly loved a good joke-he was comical, witty, and sly. Kelly liked to hunt and fish. He was a wonderful example for his family. He loved church and attending Mass. Kelly "walked softly and carried a big stick"-his "big stick" being his faith in God and devotion to his family.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 67 years, Lillie Ashford of Kinder; one son, Cecil Ashford and wife, Theresa, of Kinder; one daughter, Marla Ashford Goudeau of Moss Bluff; two sisters, Annabelle Gutentag and husband, Ed, and Thea Ashford, all of Basile; four grandchildren-Tonya Stillwell and husband, Jeremy of Moss Bluff, Jason Ashford and wife, Sara, of Memphis, TN, Amanda "Mandy" Celeste Ashford of Lake Charles, and Elizabeth Lyons and husband, Scott, of Lake Charles; three great grandchildren, Emily and Abby Stillwell and Wes Lyons; and, numerous nieces and nephews.
Kelly is preceded in death by his parents, Semien and Celeste Ashford; three brothers, Preston, Lettel, and Burkman Ashford; and, two sisters, Lillian Ashford and Euna Manuel.
The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to all of their extended family and friends for their prayers and support. They would also like to thank Christus Hospice, Kelly's nurse, Leah Marcantel, his caregiver, Theresa Langley, and his doctors for their wonderful care.