Mrs. Julia E. Ashley, age 90, of Rockford, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 27, 2013. While growing up in Cedar Springs, she attended First Baptist Church and accepted Christ as her Savior as a young person. Julia met Jesse at the Howard City Roller Rink; and after her graduation from Cedar Springs High School in 1941, they were married in 1942. She was a stay-at home wife and eventually a mother who helped her husband lay blocks in his construction business. Julia taught Sunday school at Birch Sunday School (now Red Pine Bible Church). In 1973 they moved to Rockford and built their home. Julia was a very gentle-hearted, loving mother to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved the wonders of nature. After more than nine years of service she retired in 1989 from Food Service in the Rockford Public School System. Julia is survived by her children; Jesse and Connie Ashley, Mrs. Darlene Noorman, Aaron and Marcia Ashley; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Letha and Raymond VanBelkum; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Jeanette (Landry) Perry, and Mrs. Ellen Bassett; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse on May 8, 1994, her son-in-law, John Noorman, her brother, LeRoy Landry, her sister, Stella Wall. The Service of Praise and Thanksgiving for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ for Mrs. Ashley was held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Cedar Springs, with Pastor Stanley Mohr officiating. Interment in Rockford Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider North Kent Senior Center, 44 North Park Street, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. Relatives and friends met with the family from 6 to 8 on Monday at the Pederson Funeral Home and prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com