Jean L. Ashton

YORK - On January 9, 2022 at 3:11 PM, Jean Lois Ashton of York left this physical world peacefully at the age of 89, in her daughter’s home. Jean was born at York Hospital on July 17, 1932 to parents, the late Charles H. Rinehart and Helen (Lenhart) Rinehart. Jean attended West York High School, graduating in 1950 with honors, and graduated from York Hospital School of Nursing in 1953, receiving the Marie Ketterman Efficiency Award. Jean and Ralph W. Ashton were wed on November 14, 1953, at St. James Lutheran Church, and have spent the last 68 years traveling, raising children, and living by the Lord’s word. After several years of service as a Registered Nurse, Jean opened the Margaret E. Moul Home as Director of Nursing on January 5, 1982, where she welcomed 52 residents (many of them Margaret Moul’s students). Her service here was deeply meaningful, as she revered Margaret as a good friend. Jean and her sister, Carlon, are the two remaining original members of “The Wheels Club”, in existence for 60 years. Jean is also the former District Governor of Quota Club International, and served as Chaplain with Cedarettes. In addition, she was a member of York City Band, York Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association, Christian Women’s Group, and a lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church. She was on multiple advisory boards for organizations such as York Women’s Health Center. She is survived by her husband Ralph Ashton, siblings Carlon Litsinger and Bradley Rinehart, wife Deb Rinehart; son Rickey R. Ashton, wife Anita Ashton, and daughter Deborah J. Ashton; grandchildren Jean Wanamaker, Rebecca Ashton Parsons, and Wesley Ashton; and great grandson Samuel Wanamaker. A Celebration of Life Tribute Service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, January 13, 2022 at St. James Lutheran Church, 25 North Adams St, West York, with Pastor Scott A. Seger, Rev. Dr. James M. Murr and Rev. Elizabeth C. Polanzke officiating. A viewing will be held from 10-11:00 AM Thursday at the Church. Private internment will take place at Mount Rose Cemetery. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 www.alz.org or to St. James Lutheran Church, 25 N. Adams St., York, PA 17404. CLICK HERE TO SEND FLOWERS