ASH, Betty

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Sunday, August 11, 2013 Betty Ash, 88, passed away peacefully on Aug. 3, 2013, in the loving care and home of her caregivers, Rosie and Wayne London of Prescott Valley, Ariz. Betty was born March 13, 1925, in Lafayette, Ind. She fell in love with music as a young child, and attended Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N.J. After earning her bachelor of science degree in music, she had the opportunity to teach music in Sendai, Japan, at a women's college for three years. Before leaving for Japan, she met Charles Ash and kept a lively correspondence going with him while he was in the Korean War. Charles had leave time and met Betty in Tokyo, where they became engaged, and in 1952, they married in Indianapolis. Betty and Charles lived in Glendale, Ariz., the majority of the working years, and settled into retirement in Prescott, Ariz., in 1982. Betty devoted her life to being a wonderful wife and mother. She continued her love of music through the United Methodist Church choir, single-handedly played the hand bells at church services, and taught piano lessons to children in the neighborhood after school. Betty was preceded in death by Charles in 2007, after 54 years of marriage; a brother, Daniel Hoffine; sisters Charlotte Hoffine and Emma Hoffine Thompson; and nephew Richard Hoffine. Betty is survived by two daughters, Robin Ash of East Mesa, Ariz., and Kirsten (Ken) Archer of Prescott, Ariz.; a grandson, Jeffrey (Erin) Archer of Prescott Valley, Ariz.; two great-grandsons, Logan and Tanner Archer; two step-granddaughters, Melanie and Erin Archer; a brother, William (Dot) Hoffine; a niece, Charlotte Hoffine (Bob) Parker; and nephew Tom (Linda) Hoffine. Betty has been a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life for Charles and Betty will take place in Lafayette, Ind., at a later date. Hampton Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Information provided by survivors.