Helen L. Ashely

Published 9:19 am Wednesday, July 25, 2018

November 22, 1940 – June 6, 2018

Helen L. Ashley, age 77, passed away at home June 6, 2018. Helen spent her last days with family and friends; being happy and loved. She smiled warmly when she said we smothered her with love and care.

Helen was born in Medford, Oregon, November 22, 1940. She attended Prospect High School, Southern Oregon College and University of Oregon School of Nursing. She was a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She spent her career caring for children at Marion and Polk Counties Public Health Departments, The Oregon School for the Deaf and The Oregon State Hospital. Helen also served her country for 23 years in the US Navy and the US Army Reserves; earning the rank of Major. She was a veteran of the Gulf War. She was very proud of her military service.

Family, friends, and travel were Helen’s love and joy. She traveled the world extensively and participated in Cycle Oregon many times. There was not a trip, cruise, hike, adventure or 100 mile bike ride she would turn down. She was quite simply, a force of nature. Her granddaughter called home while traveling with her to complain that “g-mama just wears me out.” She was a loyal Oregon Duck fan.

She leaves behind many family and friends, who are better for having had her in their lives. We thank her for teaching us that family is the greatest gift of all and surrounding us with unconditional love and support.

Helen is survived by her mother, Gladys “The Gladyator” Burrill; daughter/son-in-law, Rob and Keri Edwards; granddaughters, Courtney Freed and Haley Edwards; brothers, Michael Burrill Sr. and Norman Jantzer; sisters, Celeste Sweat, Sandi Knudson, Gina Ostman Burrill, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Tamara Ashley, her brother, Kevin Burrill and her father, Eugene Burrill.

The family would like to especially thank Dr. Erickson at Bend Memorial Clinic. He took care of the whole family, even when mom was no longer his patient. It is impossible to articulate how much his intellect, humor and humanity helped all of us enjoy the time we had together.

Services will be held Monday, July 30, 10:00am, at the Eagle Point National Cemetery in Eagle Point, Oregon. Remembrances may be made to Central Oregon Veterans Ranch Bend, Oregon.