Obituary of Jean W. Ashforth

Jean Williams Ashforth, 91, of Clinton, passed away on July 28, 2017 with her family by her side after a brief illness. Jean was born in Chuckery Corners, NY on September 6, 1925, the daughter of Charles and Dorothy Gridley Williams. She graduated from Clinton Central School in 1942. She stayed close with class members by hosting a yearly reunion for many years. She also graduated from Utica School of Commerce. In 1946, she married the love of her life George Ashforth in Clinton. Jean worked at Clinton Schools for many years as the principal's secretary where she loved working with "the kids" and faculty and staff. Outside of work, she was very active at St. James Episcopal Church in Clinton for nearly 90 years. She was a Diocesan Honored Woman of the Year in 2010. She was active in the Clinton Historical Society and Clinton Central School Foundation. She also volunteered for many years at the Lutheran Home in Clinton. Jean will be remembered as someone who dedicated her life to helping and caring for others, including her husband who was sick for years. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling with Liz Kimball and her late brother and sister-in-law, Rev. Roswell and Avis Williams. She is predeceased by her husband George, and son-in-law William Kimball. Her greatest joy was her family and the many gatherings at her home. She leaves a daughter, Marilyn Kimball, Greenwich, NY; son, Fred Ashforth (JoAnne), Waterville, NY; grandchildren Jennifer James (Kenneth), Silver Spring, MD; Alison Peto (Chris), Clinton, NY; Andrew Kimball (Kim), Dallas, GA; Kristen Ashforth (Glenn Truesdale), Peabody, MA; and Ryan Ashforth, Waterville, NY. She especially enjoyed spending time with her great-grandchildren Olivia, Emma and Nate Peto; Jackson and Dylan Kimball; Keoni and Leila Morris; Connor Ashforth; and Madison Truesdale. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 4, 2017 at 11:00am at St. James Church in Clinton. There will be no calling hours. Friends are invited to attend a luncheon following the service in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, consider the St. James Alter Guild, 9 Williams St., Clinton, NY 13323. Arrangements are with Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service.