Teresa E. (Bieker) Ashbaugh passed away, Thursday, September 12, 2019 at the Gove County Medical Center Long Term Care, in Quinter, Kansas at the age of 97.

She was born May 21, 1922 to Alexander and Katherine (Forster) Bieker on their farm north of Park, Kansas. She was one of ten [actually 11] children.

Teresa attended country school and completed eighth grade. Through the Work Progress Administration (WPA) she worked in Garden City, Kansas in a sugar factory. During World War II, to help the war effort she ironed clothes for army relief.

On May 16, 1945, Teresa married Emald Lee Ashbaugh in Park, Kansas. They were blessed with fourteen children.

They made their home on the farm north of Park until 1964 when they moved into town. After a fire at their home in town, they moved back onto a farm north of Park. Teresa was a devout Christian and member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park, Kansas. She was also a member of the Sacred Heart Altar Society, VFW, and American Legion. Teresa was always willing to help out when and where she could.

She was a homemaker who loved to bake and always grew a big garden. The family had cows that Teresa milked. When Teresa wasn’t busy working, she enjoyed playing cards and Bingo. Her favorite card games were Canasta and Pitch. Playing Bingo was also high on her list of things as well as putting puzzles together. She loved babies, always holding and loving them when she had the chance. Teresa loved and cherished her family. They always held first place in her heart.

Teresa is survived by her sons, John Ashbaugh of Hoxie, Kansas, Joe Ashbaugh of Park, Kansas, Alex Ashbaugh of Hays, Kansas, Ron Ashbaugh and wife Judy of Melrose, New Mexico, Jim Ashbaugh of Park, Kansas, Mike Ashbaugh of Quinter, Kansas and Manuel Ashbaugh of Jacksonville, Florida; daughters, Kathy Cunningham and husband Pete of Schyler, Nebraska, Elizabeth McDonald and husband Edd of Park, Kansas, and Diane Ashbaugh of Oakley, Kansas; son-in-law Dale Myers; forty-two grandchildren; fifty-one great-grandchildren; and 27 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Emald Ashbaugh; parents, Alexander & Kathleen Bieker; daughters, Veronica Brown, Darlene Ashbaugh, Dorothy Schwindt, Pat Myers; brothers, Clem Bieker, Bill Bieker, Tony Bieker, Joe Bieker, Al Bieker, Louis Bieker, and Martin Bieker; sisters, Elizabeth Rekofke, Veronica Heffner, and Josephine Bieker; son-in-law, Don Brown; and daughters-in-law, Pauline Ashbaugh, Lela Ashbaugh, and Lori Ashbaugh and two grandsons, Andy Webster and Jonathan Ashbaugh.

A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Monday, September 16,2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park, Kansas at 11:00 A.M. with Father James Thomas presiding. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Park, Kansas from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. The family will greet friends from 6:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. with the Vigil Service starting at 7:00 P.M. The family suggests memorials to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church~Park, Kansas; Gove County Medical Center Long Term Care; or for Masses.

Memorials may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com

Teresa lived a long life filled with love for her Lord Jesus, her family and friends. In life, she was loved dearly. She holds a place in the hearts of those who loved her that none other can fill. Nothing can ever take her away because fond memories will linger every day and remembering keeps Teresa near.

Hays Daily News, 9/16/2019