Nancy Ellen Boothe Ashley

Abingdon, Va. – Nancy Ellen Boothe Ashley, age 73, of Abingdon, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 14, 2021, following a brief illness.

Nancy was born December 10, 1947, in Russell County, Virginia, to the late Emit Boothe, Sr. and Juanita Beavers Boothe. She graduated from Lebanon High School in 1966 and joined the United States Marine Corps, where she became the first woman to raise the flag at El Toro Marine Air Base.

Nancy worked at Harwood Manufacturing Company of Abingdon for more than 20 years, and Bella’s Pizza and Subs of Abingdon for more than 30 years. She spent several years as a caregiver for her mother and brother, Tom. Her greatest joys were spending time with family and organizing the yearly Boothe family reunion.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold, Sr., and Emit, Jr.

She is survived by her son, Bobby Boothe and wife Suzanne; granddaughter, Ella Kate of Abingdon; two sisters, Lydia Puchie Owens and husband Barry of Meadowview, Virginia, and Delphia Hauser and husband Ken of Watauga, Tennessee; one brother, Thomas Boothe of Abingdon; two sisters-in-law, Zelma Boothe of Abingdon, and Pamela Boothe of Blountville, Tennessee; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM, Monday, May 17, 2021, at Forest Hills Memory Gardens (19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210), with Pastor Ken Hauser officiating.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of Nancy Ashley is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).