Miss Betty Louise Ashley of Warrensville died on Thursday, July 18, 2013, at the Margate Health & Rehab Center in Jefferson. She was 80.

Miss Ashley was born on May 4, 1933, to the late John Sommers Ashley and Arie Eller Ashley Mitchell.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Lloyd Mitchell.

Betty had a distinguished career working for the U.S. Department of State. She had many years of foreign service. Through the years she was stationed in Cairo, Egypt, Islamabad, Pakistan, as well as Tunisia, Indonesia, and Washington, D.C. She retired in 1984 with 22 years of service. She was also an active member of Sugar Tree Baptist Church. She loved her animals and flower gardens.

Miss Ashley is survived by one brother, John Sommers Ashley Jr. and wife Maxine of Warrensville; one niece, Anita Hayes and husband Raymond of North Wilkesboro; one nephew, Jeff Ashley and wife Melissa of Warrensville; and many cousins and friends.

A service honoring her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, 2013, at Ashelawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum of Prayer by Rev. Jim Greer and Rev. Tom Graybeal. Entombment will immediately follow the service.

Flowers will be appreciated or memorials may be made to the Sugar Tree Baptist Church.

Words of comfort and remembrance may be viewed or sent to the family through our website at www.ashelawn.com. Ashelawn Memorial Chapel & Gardens was entrusted with Miss Ashley's arrangements.