Patricia “Trish” C. Ashton 1949-2025
Patricia “Trish” C. Ashton, 76, of Springfield, IL, passed away on September 22, 2025. She was born on March 31, 1949, to William J. and Vivian M. (Smith) Coffey. Trish married the love of her life, James “Jimbo” Ashton on March 7, 1980, and he preceded her in death on February 9, 2022.
She is also preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Judith Kunz; one brother, William N. Coffey; and one niece, Jennifer Ryan.
She is survived by her one stepson, Scott Ashton of Springfield, IL; one grandson, Zachary (Lindsey) Ashton of Owensboro, KY; three great-grandchildren, Rory Ashton, Millie-Kate James Ashton, and Caroline Leppke; one sister, Becky (Don) Honigman of Rochester, IL; one sister-in-law, Rita Coffey of Springfield, IL; two brothers, Joseph Coffey of Rochester, IL and Thomas (Janine) Coffey of Petersburg, IL; three nieces, Cathy (Caleb) Parker, Laura (Dick) Johnson, and Sarah (Winnie) Kunz; four nephews, Bill (Teena) Coffey, Bob (Neal) Liu-Coffey, James (Catey) Myers, and Joseph (Alisa) Coffey; and several great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
Upon graduating high school, Trish enrolled and graduated from Flamingo Beauty College in Springfield. She was passionate about her career as a hairdresser and owner of her salon in Rochester from 1972 – 1985. She then worked as an office assistant at Springfield Board of Realtors for five years. She finished her career as an office assistant for the Illinois Bar Association after 21 years of service.
Trish enjoyed sharing meals and quality time with her family the most. She also enjoyed volunteering during the Illinois State Fair at the Illinois State Fair Museum, Festival of Trees, and with her church, most notably, Trunk or Treat or Easter egg hunts.
She was a former member of Sangamo Chapter of Eastern Star and was a current member of Rochester Historical Society. She was also a faithful member of Rochester First Baptist Church.
In retirement, she spent her time travelling with Jimbo and spending winters in Florida or Texas. She also enjoyed camping with Jimbo and their friends at Starlite Campgrounds at Lake Jacksonville.
She enjoyed fishing, playing cards, crafting, jigsaw puzzles, travelling with family, gardening, and playing slots.
Visitation: 10:00 am – 11:30 am, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.
Funeral Service: 11:30 am, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield with Pastor Will Bynum officiating. Burial will follow at Rochester Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League or to Rochester First Baptist Church.