Shelley Ashby, 62, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
She was born May 29, 1963 to Virgil E. and Dixie L. (Silvey) Matthews in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Shelley’s heart found its match when she married the love of her life, Brent Delbert Ashby, on February 12, 1983.
For 27 years, Shelley poured her spirit into the St. Joseph School District as a Food Service Manager.
Faith played a central role in Shelley’s life. As a Christian, she lived her beliefs through her actions, showing compassion and generosity at every turn.
Family was the cornerstone of Shelley’s world. She loved the role of being a grandmother, pouring love and wisdom into her grandchildren’s lives. Shelley was never one to sit idly; she was always on the move, creating, crafting, and leaving a trail of joy wherever she went.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Dixie Matthews.
Survivors include her husband, Brent Ashby; children, Nicole Esely, Brent Ashby, Jr. (Alejandra), and Kent Ashby (Jesse); grandchildren, Kyleigh Ashby, Alyssa Ashby, Jordan Eldredge, Carter Esely, Chauns Ashby, and Caiden Ashby; father, Virgil Matthews; siblings, Deborah Pulley (Mark), Lori Snowden (Kevin), Laura McDevitt, and Kyle Matthews (Allison); numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Friday, November 7, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Bethel Cemetery, DeKalb, Missouri. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
