JOYCE ANN (BLAGG) ASH
September 16, 1935 - March 19, 2021
Today we mourn the passing of Joyce Ann (Blagg) Ash, born September 16, 1935 in Minco, Oklahoma; leaving us on March 19, 2021 in Bakersfield, California.
Being an only child, Joyce considered numerous friends and their children as part of her family, including Joe and Faye Holbert, Jim and Jeannette Pierce, Edgar and Betty Johnson, Donna and Wayne Ridley, Ruben and Marlene Blunt, Joe and Pansy Collins, Glen and Betty Worrell and many others.
Joyce was educated in Lamont elementary schools, graduated as a member of the first four-year class at Arvin High School in 1953 and received a trophy as outstanding senior girl. She graduated from Bakersfield College in 1955. She was active in student body activities and was editor of the Arvin High Yearbook (Praeterita) in 1953. She served as the editor of the Bakersfield College Yearbook (Raconteur) in 1955. Joyce was enthusiastic and worked hard to get everything done in a timely manner. She graduated from Bakersfield College, was married to Bunkie Ash the next day on June 12, 1955 and started work as a secretary in the Vineland School District the following week.
Joyce was employed in the Vineland School District for 32 years and thoroughly enjoyed it. It always thrilling to her when former students would stop her and introduce their children. In her spare time, she was involved in most of the activities in the district: from PTA (she received a life membership award), transporting students to games, writing news articles to all kinds of jobs for the annual Sports Banquet, and too many more jobs to write about. Joyce also served as a board member of the Lamont Public Utility District for several years. She retired in 1993.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Opal and Chester Blagg, and her husband of 42 years, Bunkie Ash. Survivors include her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Valerie Ash of Lamont, Marla Ash and her son Sebastian Caminiti of Lamont; Kendall and Susan Ash of Gore, Oklahoma, their son Tyler Ash, daughter-in-law Kaitlyn Ash, and their sons, Orion Ash and Jameson Ash, all of Woodland, California.
Joyce's life was enriched by close ties to her children and grandchildren. Her main goal was to enrich their lives and ensure that they would be okay when she was no longer around.
Joyce will be missed and remembered by all who knew her for her kindness and generosity to others. She will be revered and treasured by her family and friends for years to come.
Services will be held at South Kern Cemetery District (Arvin Cemetery) 15543 S. Vineland Road on Thursday April 1, 2021 at 12 pm. Everyone who will be in attendance please wear face masks and social distance when possible, Thank You.
Greenlawn Funeral Home has been entrusted with her care. For condolences or to sign an online registry, please visit www.GreenlawnM-c.com.
Greenlawn Funeral Homes require guests to practice social distancing and face masks/covering are highly recommended.