Jean Ash

Jean Durham Ash passed away August 18, 2012 in Houston, Texas. She was born December 13, 1926 to Abel James Durham and Ned Bell Durham in Sabinal, Texas. She was the granddaughter of Abel James Durham Sr. who served three terms as a Representative for the 77th District of the Texas Legislature.
Jean met her lifelong sweetheart John Allen Ash when he moved to her small hometown of Sabinal in 1940. The young couple married in Klamath Falls, Oregon on March 9, 1945 just shortly after John joined the Navy during the Second World War. After John completed his service to the Navy the Ash family lived in Lubbock, Dallas, Oklahoma, and San Antonio while John finished his education and started his career in the food industry. Johns career led the Ashs to Crystal City where they both worked for Del Monte while raising their family. John and Jean returned to San Antonio following retirement where they enjoyed 20 years. After 64 years of marriage together John passed away in 2009. Jean then moved to Sugar Land to be near to relatives. She was a long time member of Coker United Methodist Church in San Antonio.
Jean is survived by Becky Phillips of Austin and Julie Foster and husband Al of Sugar Land, her adored grandchildren: Ross Phillips, Ashton Phillips, Mark Foster and James Foster. She is also survived by her brother Abel James Durham, Jr. of San Antonio, his wife Louise, and their two children Sally Lawson and Susan Harrison. Jean leaves behind her mischievous cousins, Francis Brookshier and Ann Crane, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Jean was a voracious reader whose passion for the written word is shared by many of her descendants, she loved spending time with her family above all things, and she will be dearly missed.
Our family is grateful for the support of the staff of Atria in Sugar Land. The family requests that memorial donations be sent to Houston Hospice 1905 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030.
Graveside services will be held at the Sabinal Cemetery, Thursday August 30, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Leighanne Brechin, Pastor of Sabinal United Methodist Church will officiate.

Service