Cloris "Vonnie" Yvonne Ash Obituary (1954 - 2024)

Cloris Yvonne "Vonnie" Ash passed away peacefully at the home of her birth in Cantril on May 31, 2024, at the age of 69. She was born on December 29, 1954 to Frank Raymond and Cloris Violet Grimes Wiley, Vonnie's early years were spent on a dairy farm just outside Cantril. Vonnie graduated from Fox Valley High School in 1973. She married George Kennedy. She later married Randy Ash. Vonnie's life was driven by her profound love for animals, dancing, and above all, her family. Her home was known as the "funny farm," a testament to her open heart for stray animals. She was a devoted mother who, when her children were young, chose to stay at home to nurture them, working only part-time to ensure she was present during those years. Professionally, Vonnie dedicated herself to caring for others. She worked as a CNA Med Aide at Good Samaritan in Keosauqua and later shared her culinary talents as the lead cook at the Catfish Place in Arbela. Vonnie's work ethic was also evident in the various odd jobs she performed around Cantril, always with a smile and a readiness to help. Her legacy is carried on by her loving family: her sons, Kelly Kennedy (Heather) of Birmingham, Kevin Kennedy (Vickie) of Milton, and Kelsy Clark (Jenna) of Warsaw, IL; her daughters, Korey Kennedy of Batavia, Keeta Van Skike of Keosauqua, Korby Hornbaker (Travis Phillips) of Keosauqua, Kolbi Woods (Evan) of Ozark, MO, and Billie Jo McIntire (Jason) of Birmingham. Vonnie was a beloved sibling to her brothers, Glen Wiley (Marilyn) of Luray, MO, Paul Wiley of Cantril, and Robert Wiley (Crystal) of Milton; and her sisters, Vivian Williams of Atlantic and Vickie Wiley (Lyle Sever) of Cantril. Her memory will be cherished by her 28 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride. Vonnie's life was also enriched by her many nieces and nephews, her good friend Mel Parrish, and her adored co-worker Angie. Vonnie was preceded in death by her brothers, Joseph, Frankie, Bill, and Wayne Wiley; her sister, Virginia Sutton; and her granddaughter, Dannidyn Garner. A celebration of Vonnie's life will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Waubonsie Park in Cantril from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Friends and loved ones are invited to join in remembering her love, her grace, her laughter and joys, and the simple pleasures that make a life meaningful. Gifts to a memorial to be designated later by the family may be brought to the celebration of life or mailed to the family at 13495 Meadow Avenue, Birmingham, IA 52535. Those wishing to leave condolences can do so online at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.