Vivian Beth Ashley Witherup, a very young 98, died on December 23, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Nashua, IA. No services are planned at this time per her request. Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory of Hampton is caring for Beth and her family.
She was born in Des Moines, Iowa on October 21, 1925, the daughter of Charles and Ruby Ashley. Beth had two sisters and one brother. After graduating from Pekin (IL) High School, she went to work in Des Moines, Iowa, where a friend introduced her to Ronald Witherup, a pilot in the Army Air Corps.
They were married on March 30, 1946. Their daughter, Cathy, was born a year later. The three of them moved to PA where Beth helped put Ron through the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry and then helped him set up practice in Hampton, IA. In 1954, their second daughter, Toni, was born.
Beth was active as a Homemaker and mother, worked with Ron in the office, belonged to the 1st Congregational Church, and was a member of PEO. They lived in Hampton until Ron passed away in 1989, at which time Beth moved to their condo in Ocoee, FL. She eventually reconnected with an old family friend, Robert Erickson, who became her companion until his death in 2011.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ron, her two sisters, son-in-law (Steve Robinson), companion (Robert Erickson), and a grandson (Matthew Robinson).
She is survived by her daughters, Cathy Schelin (Rick), Centennial, CO, Toni Hinrichs (Terry), Nashua, IA, her brother Charles Ashley (IL), three grandchildren, Ashley Hyyppa (Kalvin), Colby Weber (Michael), Chris Robinson (Melissa O’Brien), and five great grandchildren.
Memorial gifts in Beth’s name may be given to St. Croix Hospice (Charles City, IA 800-854-3402) or the charity of your choice.
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