Priscilla Ruth Ashby

Pembroke – Priscilla Ruth Ashby, 77, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2014 at a Bangor hospital. Priscilla was born in Southwest Harbor on December 8, 1937, daughter of the late Willard and Althea (Stanley) Townsend. She graduated from Shead Memorial High School, Class of 1956, and worked for Guilford Industries for 9 years. On February 2, 1957, she married Sheldon C. Ashby. In the mid 1960’s, Priscilla left the woolen mill to help run the family business, Pembroke Clam Company, with her husband Sheldon. Together in 1995 they decided to retire. Priscilla loved the outdoors and enjoyed gardening, tending her fruit trees, picking blueberries, and most of all spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister Barbara Gurney. Surviving are her husband of 57 years, Sheldon Ashby; five children, Brenda McGuire and husband Wayne of Perry, Becky Ashby of North Caroline, Betty Griffin and husband Timmy of Pembroke, Susan Preston of Machias, and Sally Ashby of Roque Bluffs; twelve grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Althea and husband Michael of Millinocket, Patricia “Tootie” and husband Oren of Portland, Linda and husband Donald of Portland, and Diane and husband Don of Portland; two brothers, Norman and wife Ida of Perry, and Gerald and companion Vicki of Pembroke; numerous nieces and nephews; and her feline companion Frisky.

Visiting hours will be held 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais. A celebration of Priscilla’s life will be held 11 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Clarkside Cemetery, Pembroke.