Velma M. Crow Ashburn, 93, went to be with her Lord on March 29, 2020 at 3:29 pm in Barbourville, KY after complications from a stroke. She was born in Holly Grove, Arkansas March 26, 1927 to Bruce and Mary Crow. She was one of thirteen children raised on a farm in the cotton fields of eastern Arkansas. She was saved at age 15 and baptized in the local river. She graduated from the University of Arkansas with a B.S. in Home Economics and was an avid Arkansas Razorback sports fan for the rest of her life. She initially taught school and was a home extension agent in Arkansas and then moved to Texas to work for Texas Electric. She there met Bill, the love of her life. On March 19, 1955 she married William (Bill) Frank Ashburn of San Angelo, Texas. They lived and raised their family in Oklahoma. Bill passed from a stroke in 2004. They were married for 49 years. She was a Master bridge player and dedicated homemaker her whole life. She was a faithful member of New Hope United Methodist Church of Oklahoma City.
Velma is survived by her two children William Thomas Ashburn and his wife, Mary, of Barbourville, Kentucky and Katherine Louise Norris and her husband, Clay, of Spirit Lake, Iowa and 10 grandchildren: Amy Ashburn Neal, Andy Norris, Bruce Ashburn, Luke Ashburn, Blake Norris, Kristi Norris, Anna Ashburn, Will Norris, Faith Norris and Sam Norris. She also is survived by 8 great grandchildren: Rodney Norris, Prince Donmor, Emma Neal, Elliott Ashburn, Jonathan Ashburn, Lincoln Norris, Oakley Norris, Titus Ashburn, Timothy Neal, Maisy Ashburn, Remy Norris, and several devoted nieces and nephews. She will be buried beside her husband, Bill, in a graveside service at Spring Creek Memorial Cemetery in Oklahoma City with a memorial service at a later date.