Jean Ashland

Jean Etta Ashland, age 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at Oak Crossing Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, MN on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.

Jean was born July 12, 1943, in Poteau, OK to Olen and Dorothy Reece and she was the oldest of 9 children.

Jean married Arlo Ashland on September 14, 1958 at a Justice of the Peace in Reno, Nevada. They were husband & wife for 63 years.

Jean spent her days raising their three children, listening to music (mainly country but loved all genres), reading romance and western novels, crafting, ceramics, and flower arranging. She enjoyed playing cards, watching comedies and nature shows, and spending time with her grandchildren. She loved gardening, especially her flowers, and was interested in politics and world events.

She was a vibrant woman, full of sass, with a hardy and infectious laugh, and a sound sense of morality. Most often she was boisterous and fun-loving: enjoyed dancing, conversing with friends and family, or hearing a good joke or two. A beautiful soul, quick witted, with a robust and genuine humor, Jean was profoundly loved, will be dearly missed, and her memory cherished.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers: Henry, Merle, Tommy, David, Owen, and two sisters: Patricia and Beatrice.

She is survived by her husband, Arlo and 3 children: Debra (Randy) Bachmann, Barnesville, MN, Jodi (Guy) Swenson, Barnesville, MN, Kurt (Marie) Ashland, Perham, MN, and brother Jimmy Reece, Poteau, OK.  Grandchildren: Heidi (Robert) Anderson, Stacy (Tim) Cole, Jeff (Cortney) Swenson, Kurt Swenson, Matthew (Mathia) Ashland; Great-grandchildren: Kaydi Anderson, Vincent Anderson, Grayci Anderson, Austin Cole, Owen Cole, Hunter Cole, Huxley Swenson.

The Ashland family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Oak Crossing and Hospice of the Red River Valley for their professionalism and compassion during the very short time that Jean was in their care.

Private family service is planned.

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