Phyllis Ashford

Phyllis Hope Ashford Naples, FL

Phyllis Hope Ashford, who was 86 years young and a resident of the Glen Eagle Golf and Country Club community since March of 2006, passed peacefully from this life into eternity on Saturday, April 2, 2011 after a sudden, brief illness. She was born on July 12, 1924 in Scotia, NY and grew up in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. She graduated the Episcopal School of Nursing in Northeastern Philadelphia in 1945.

Phyllis was a pioneer in advanced training for nurse practitioners and was instrumental in the establishment of programs for women's reproductive health care as well as women's general wellness programs in Northern New Jersey. She rounded out her 50 year nursing career as a school nurse in the New Jersey school system, retiring in 1995. However, she continued in many volunteer programs and retired for the final time last year as the Parish Nurse of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Powhatan, VA. She was a longtime member at St. Luke's and an associate member of Shepherd of the Glades Lutheran Church here in Naples.

She is survived by her loving husband Capt. Robert L. Ashford, USN (Ret.); and children, Timothy Schoolmaster, Jeff Schoolmaster, Amy Conrad, Richard Ashford, Carol Duvall, and Robert J. Ashford. She and Bob reveled in the company of their nine grandchildren, Justin, Max, Paul, Neil, Brian, Kate, Robert L. II, Katherine, and Jenna; and their five great-grandchildren, Mia, Ben, Abby, Lila, and Casey. Casey was born during the evening before the death of Phyllis. A life for a life.

A memorial service will be held at Shepherd of the Glades Lutheran Church, 6020 Rattlesnake Hammock Road (corner of Santa Barbara Road), Naples, FL on Tuesday, April 5th (TODAY) at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Planned Parenthood or your favorite women's health care organization.

Arrangements entrusted to Naples Funeral Home www.NaplesFuneralHome.com.