Shirley Ashley

Shirley M. Ashley of Beverly Hills, Florida died on Monday, August 29, 2022 just two days after her 86th birthday.

She was born August 27, 1936 in Otego, NY the daughter of Gerald and Gladys (Johnson) Porter. She married Calvin Ashley on February 24, 1968 whom she lost in October 1987.

Shirley was a lifelong resident of the Pittsfield and New Berlin area.  While raising their own family, she and Cal fostered many children in their home.  She worked many years at the Norwich Shoe Company and later retired from Pathfinder Village after 33 years of caring for down syndrome residents of the Delaware House. Shirley had a big heart with lots of love to go around.

She is survived by her son, Richard Ashley; daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Dan Utter; stepsons, Clayton Ashley and George (Nancy) Ashley; sisters, Barbara Ladner and Patricia (John) Hunt; brother, James (Jane) Porter; grandchildren, Keith (Leigha) Utter and Cory (Sabrinna) Utter; great grandchildren, Wesley, Alli and Kaily; sister-in-laws, Shirley Porter, Linda Porter, Lynne Porter, and Irene Sharpe; aunt, Flossie Johnson; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Shirley was also predeceased by brothers, William Porter, Robert Porter, and Gerald “Tony” Porter; and by sister, Betty Calamia.

Funeral services will be held at Dakin Funeral Home on Monday, September 5, 2022 at 2 pm with the Pastor Dan Baltich of the First Baptist Church of New Berlin, officiating.  Interment will be at St. Andrew’s Cemetery, New Berlin at a later date.