Rosemarie "Roe" Konopa-Ashley's Obituary
Ms. Rosemarie “Roe” Konopa-Ashley, age 56, died peacefully at home Wednesday evening, June 30, 2004 surrounded by loved ones after a 9 ½ year battle with breast cancer. She was born November 5, 1947 in Manistee, MI to Dr. John F. and Carolyn (Longhini) Konopa and made her home in the Muskegon area for over 30 years. She graduated in 1965 from Manistee High School and received her associates degree from Muskegon Business College. She also attended Western Michigan University. On December 13, 1976, she married Richard F. Ashley in Las Vegas, NV and he survives her. Roe had owned and operated a landscaping business for several years before her illness forced retirement in 1995. She had previously worked as a systems manager and office manager for Fleet Engineers. Roe was a volunteer extraordinaire as she earned the title “Queen of the Fly” for Reeling & Healing, Special Events Coordinator for Hackley Hospital Cancer Support Group, and Dance Coordinator for Camp Bluebird at Camp Geneva. In early 2004, she was recognized as an Outstanding Volunteer by Ottawa County United Way for Camp Bluebird. Roe was outstanding at any sport she attempted and especially enjoyed being outdoors. SURVIVORS include her husband, Richard; 2 brothers, Bob (MaryAnn) Konopa of South Bend, IN, John (Susan) Konopa of South Haven, MI; 5 step-children, Jeffrey R. (Misty) Ashley, Monnie M. Ashley, Konnie S. Ashley, James S. Ashley, and Richard M. Ashley all of Muskegon; 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild; sister-in-law, Lois (Harold) Larabee of Muskegon; 5 nieces, 4 great nieces and 3 great nephews, 4 godchildren and many other relatives. Roe also had a cast of thousands of friends that survive her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. John F. Konopa in 1976 and Carolyn Konopa in 2000. A MEMORIAL PARTY to celebrate Roe’s life will be held Thursday July 8, 2004 at 1:00 PM at Christ Community Church in Spring Lake. For a more lasting memorial, please consider one of the following: Reeling & Healing; Hackley Hospital Cancer Support Group; or Camp Bluebird. Family and friends are encouraged to sign Roe’s guest book on-line at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements handled by the Sytsema Funeral Home, 737 Apple Avenue, (231) 726-5210
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