Submitted by: Dan Rich
Neale M. Ashenfelter
Feb. 16, 1906 - Dec. 13, 2002
Neale M. Ashenfelter, 96, passed away on Friday, Dec. 13, in St. Clair Shores, Mich.
She was born Cornelia M. Van Oosterhout on Feb. 16, 1906, in the Dutch community of Orange City, Iowa, the youngest of four children of Peter and Sara Van Oosterhout. She is survived by her children, Susan Carpenter of Grosse Point Park, Mich., and Richard Ashenfelter of Plymouth, Mass.; and by four grandchildren.
She graduated from the University of Iowa in 1927 with a degree in elementary education, having been affiliated with Pi Beta Phi sorority and Mortar Board. She taught in the Iowa public schools for several years.
In 1932 she was married to B.O. "Bus" Ashenfelter of Boone, Iowa. After living for several years in Sioux City, Iowa, and Youngstown, Ohio, the couple settled in South Bend, Ind., where they were to reside for 50 years. She moved to Michigan in 1998 to be closer to her daughter. Neale was an avid bridge player and walker, and traveled extensively with her husband in the Americas, Africa and Asia in their retirement years. A special pleasure for her were annual trips to the family cottage on Lake Okoboji in Iowa, where she enjoyed relationships with family members and old friends.
Neale will be remembered for her active role in the First Presbyterian Church in South Bend, her involvement in the St. Joseph County Cancer Society, her moderation in all things, and her love of her family, friends and life. A private memorial service is planned.