Laurel Ashley

Essex, VT – Laurel (Colomb) Ashley passed away peacefully at the age of 90 surrounded by her loving family on the morning of February 11th, 2025. Laurel was born in Swanton, VT on October 14th, 1934, the daughter of George and Priscilla Colomb. She graduated from the former St. Anne's Academy in Swanton, class of 1952. On November 3rd, 1956, she was married to Alton (Ken) Ashley.
After Graduation, Laurel worked for the State Dept. of Health in Burlington until moving to Virginia to be with Ken who was stationed with the United States Army at Ft. Belvoir. She worked there for Routh Robbins Real Estate until Ken was sent to Korea. She then returned to Burlington and worked at the Lane Press in the office until Ken returned home and their first child was born.
Laurel became a stay-at-home Mom with her daughter and son. In 1967 she began working at Essex Elementary where she spent 22 years in the offices of both the Elementary and Founders Memorial.
In 1989 both Ken and Laurel retired and built their home on the lake shore in W. Swanton where they enjoyed 17 wonderful years.
After Ken's death in 2006, Laurel moved back to Essex to be closer to her children and grandchildren.
She leaves a daughter Tamara and her husband Roger Pratt of Milton, her son Thomas and his wife Caroline of Essex, her Grandchildren, Danielle Whitten and her partner Jamie Fisher of Shelburne, Kelsey Whitten and her partner Joseph Genest of Swanton, Lisa Ashley and her partner Bobby Wolfe and his daughter Ava of Colchester, Michael Ashley and his partner Anna Charland of Essex and a much beloved Great-grandson, Kaiden Fisher #18 of Shelburne. She also leaves a son-in-law Raymond Whitten of St. Albans and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her brother Vaughn Colomb, sisters Elaine Moreau and Gloria McCormick and sister in-law Grace Rose.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses at UVM Medical Center, the staff at Mansfield Place and the McClure Miller Respite House for their loving and compassionate care.
Visiting hours will be held at Ready Funeral Services in Essex on February 20th from 4:00pm-6:00pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, gifts in Laurel's memory be made to Essex Rescue, 1 Educational Dr, Essex Jct; VT 05452.