Leone Ashe

Leone B. Ashe (Lee) passed away October 3, 2018.  She was born in Fargo, North Dakota to Leonard and Christine Withrow, and grew up in Garvin, Minnesota.  Lee came to Jacksonville in 1964 and lived in Arlington.  After being widowed for some time, she married John Ashe, and settled in Neptune Beach.
Well known and Well Loved, Lee Ashe and her daughter founded their first Pet Shop in Jacksonville and grew to open more at the Beach; The Village Pet Shop, and The Pet Emporiums. They shared a unique partnership over 25 years. She was a pioneer in her field and was proud of her ability to make people happy by always matching the right pet with the right person.
She could hardly go out without people walking up to her and thanking her for enriching their lives with fur-babies and more. Lee made friends with customers and employees alike; her smile lit up the room, and her wisdom inspired many. To this day her friends and customers remember her skill, fairness, and true desire to make the world a better place.
She retired in 1998 and went on to volunteer for many more years at Mayo Hospital as a retail specialist in the gift store. Again, that beautiful smile, her willingness, and her wisdom continued to inspire. She went on to become the first female ELK at the ELK'S Lodge, and because she did not want to be a Doe, so she fought to change the rules.  After that, she was a top-notch Bridge Player. Later she went back to her roots and bought a Farm site as well as a Lake House for her family and her children's family to enjoy. Christmas Eve at Grandma's house was her tradition and she loved her kids, her grandkids, and her great grandkids with never ending, unconditional love and support.
Lee was a woman before her time, yet she held the simple and true values of her time. She will be missed by many, and her memory will be cherished for years to come.  She was the Greatest Generation, and her motto was simple; "Do unto Others as You Would Have Them Do unto You."
Lee was pre-deceased by her loving husband John J. Ashe; and is survived by her loving daughter Julie Brigman (Ricky), grandchildren; Dean Hanapel (Kimberly Hanapel), Tim Hanapel, Lynn Dell (Troy Dell), Megan Ashe; and great grandchildren, James, Eli, Liam, Elizabeth, Ryan and Ava.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 12, 2018 in the Chapel of Quinn-Shalz, 3600 Third Street South, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jacksonville Humane Society in Leone Ashe's name.