Our beautiful mother, Cecile Bradshaw Ashby, 101, passed away peacefully in Mesa, Arizona, on Friday, October 1, 2021, surrounded by her family.
Cecile was born on January 13, 1920 at the base of South Mountain, Phoenix, Arizona (The Japanese Flower Gardens), to Clara Estella McClellan and Samuel Silas Bradshaw.
Cecile grew up in a large family during the depression era and although faced with poverty, sorrow and adversity, Cecile instead chose to search for happiness and thrived from the love of her parents and 12 siblings. Her family lived in Mesa and Cecile graduated from Mesa Union High School in 1938. Cecile was very social, she was athletic and fun, but her favorite past-time was dancing and especially attending dances at the old Mezona. She continued to dance well into her 90’s and making fun memories with her kids & grand-kids dancing the Wii Fit – Just Dance. On her 100th Birthday, she warmed the hearts of her family as she danced with one of her sons and a nephew.
Cecile was a lifelong and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She enjoyed serving as a temple worker in the Mesa, Arizona Temple for many years and she was called and served as a full-time missionary to the Tallahassee, Florida mission in 1989. She has some memories of her dad and brothers helping build the Mesa, Arizona Temple and wanted to attend the re-dedication of “her Temple” this month October 2021.
Cecile’s greatest joys were being mother to her 6 children, their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Cecile’s mind was clear and sharp and her incredible memory was vibrant and amazing until the end. Even into her last days on this earth, Cecile remembered her family members by name. She loved them all the mostest.
Cecile loved anything and everything to do with her family and that included all that they did ~ sports, traveling, music, playing games, being outdoors, dancing and having fun. She just wanted to be with her family.
The Love of a Family is Life’s Greatest Blessings!
Cecile is survived by her sons ~ Douglas M. Ashby, Nicholas J. Ashby (Martha), Frederick H. Ashby (Lisa); her daughter ~ Janna Dwiggins (David); 28 grandchildren & 26 spouses; 100 great grandchildren & 6 spouses; 6 great-great grandchildren and 1 coming in 2022.
Cecile was preceded in death by her sons ~ Ronald Ralph Ashby and Gregory N. Ashby; Cecile’s daughter in law Sherry Ashby and also her great-grandsons ~ Crew Benjamin Standring and Kaique Vincent Shibuta. She is also preceded in death by her parents and 12 siblings & their spouses (Ruth Ellsworth, Leonard Bradshaw, Ira Bradshaw, Clara Larson, Tony Bradshaw, Niles Bradshaw, Orley Bradshaw, Rodney Bradshaw, Edward Bradshaw, Anita Reheis, Horace Bradshaw & Silas Bradshaw).
Our mom was and will always be a beloved blessing in our lives!
We love you the mostest mom.
Cecile is dancing again!
As a family we would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Anthem Hospice for helping our mom continue to live her last days as some of her best days!
Thank you Dr. Khalid Shirif and Erin
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but www.bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Your mother was and still is an amazing woman. Sending much love and empathy to you and your family. May you all feel the peace and love that comes from our Savior, Jesus Christ.
I spent a lot of time at the Ashby home in the early 60’s. I think Doug and i wore out at least 1 ping pong table. Went on vacation with the Ashbys to San Pedro Ca. one summer. I don’t know anyone who was more gracious and pleasant to be around than Cecile.She always treated me like I was part of the family. She always had that wonderful smile on her face that was so genuine and infectious. We will miss that. Our sincere condolences to the family.