YORKTOWN—Bonni Lee (Maupin) Ashburn passed peacefully in her home in Yorktown on June 7, 2019. She was surrounded by family and her favorite music while making the transition to be with her Lord and Savior in heaven.
She courageously battled pancreatic cancer for just over a year following her diagnosis. She embodied grace, faithfulness, strength, selflessness and extraordinary love for God, her family and friends throughout her battle and life. During this time, she still managed to put others first, ensuring no birthday, holiday or anniversary was forgotten without a handwritten card, gift or social media post.
Bonni was born July 25, 1943, in Moline, Ill., to Evelyn Grace Kester Maupin and Warner Garst “Bud” Maupin. She grew up in Wheeling, W.Va., where she attended Warwood High School.
Bonni attended Richmond Polytechnic Institute (now VCU) for fashion design. It was there she met Don Milton Ashburn. The two were married August 25, 1962, at Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church in Wheeling. They would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary this August.
She worked at Heritage Hut Antiques for five years, Ann’s Fashions for 15 years, and Nancy Thomas Gallery for six years. She was active in the “Women of the Church” group at Yorkminster Presbyterian Church in Yorktown and served as a youth leader. Bonni volunteered as a school tutor and at the school library. She was active in the Piney Point Garden Club for many years.
Her friends describe her as the picture of class, thoughtfulness and elegance. Bonni enjoyed spending time with family, music, theater, drawing, reading and gardening. She loved Colonial Williamsburg, the Outer Banks and Busch Gardens, especially during Halloween. Her fun-loving spirit was contagious to everyone around her, and she always enjoyed a good laugh. She never met a stranger and absolutely adored people.
Bonni is survived by her husband, Don; two beautiful daughters and sons-in-law, Sheri Dunn and husband Rick of Washington, D.C., Melody Cleland and husband Preston “Cubby” of Apex, N.C.; two granddaughters, Casey and Harper Cleland, also of Apex; a brother, Robert “Bob” Maupin, and many cherished friends and extended family members. She will be deeply missed and remembered by all.
A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Yorkminster Presbyterian Church, 6218 George Washington Memorial Highway, Yorktown, VA 23692, followed by a brief reception.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Yorkminster Presbyterian Church, or to a charity of your choosing.
Amory Funeral Home of Yorktown handled the arrangements.
