July 15, 1940 – August 31, 2023
Joy Wayne (Ridgway) Ashley, 83 of Allegan, Michigan, passed away Thursday, August 31, 2023, at her home in Allegan, surrounded by her loving family. Born July 15, 1940, in Ethridge, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Woodrow and Florine (Clanton) Ridgway and the wife of Bill Ashley. Joy spent 23 years working at General Electric and 11 years at Donnelly Corporation. She was a very hard worker, both in her jobs and at home. Spending time outside brought her much joy as she watched the birds and worked in her garden. She was famous for her wonderful cooking and her delicious pickles. One of the things that her family loved most about her was her sassiness – she was not one to sugarcoat anything. To coin a phrase, Joy was a joy to be around! Her beautiful smile and generous spirit is already greatly missed.
Surviving is her loving husband of 33 years, Bill Ashley; her children, Jeff Moored, Tim Moored, Shelley Lemoine, Sheri (Ken) Bronkema; her son-in-law, John Wuis; her four grandchildren, Corey Nice, Ryder Lemoine, Zoe Bronkema and Konner Bronkema; many great-grandchildren; and her sister, Barb (Wayne) Braden.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Virginia Plaggemars; her brother, Pete Ridgway; and her stepdaughter, Sandy Wuis.
Per her wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Dunningville Reformed Church (2559 Lincoln Rd., Allegan, MI 49010). Joy will be laid to rest in Brookside Cemetery, Heath Township. The family wishes to thank Wings of Hope Hospice for their kindness and care during Joy’s last days.