Sylvia Ashley Obituary

Sylvia Ann Ashley, born in T'iis Názbas (Teec Nos Pos), AZ on January 1, 1945, she is of the Kin Lichíi'nii (Red House) clan, born for Hashk'aan Hadzohí (Yucca Fruit) clan. Her paternal grandfather's clan is Áshiihi (Salt People) clan and her maternal grandfather's clan is Bit'ahnii (Folded Arms) clan.
Sylvia lived as a resident of Teec Nos Pos from childhood to the time when she met her husband, Irvin Earl Ashley at Kirtland Central High School in New Mexico. As high school sweethearts, they married in Shiprock, NM at Christ the King Catholic Church on June 15, 1963.
She moved her family to Las Cruces, New Mexico to further her education earning her master's degree at New Mexico State University. Upon completion of her advanced academic degree, she returned to Teec Nos Pos to reestablish her family life and then resided in the local community area for over 30 years.
On June 27, 2025, in Shiprock, NM, at the age of 80, she left to be with the Creator. Her father Jimmy Ute Sr., mother Daisy Ute, brother Frankie Ute, and husband of 61 years, Irvin Ashley, have all greeted her as she begins her journey to everlasting life. She is survived by and dearly missed by her oldest brother Jimmy Ute Jr., and her sister Clara Harvey. She is deeply missed by her children: Mona, Melissa, Randissa, Michael, Brandon, and Brandi; as well as her grandchildren: Alisha, Ryan, Brawnson, Ayianna, and Cameron; and her great grandchildren: Adrain, Joseph, and Dakota.
Sylvia was a strong, dedicated, caring and loving mother who was devoted to her family and work life as an educator. Her career in education began with Bureau of Indian Affairs, Central Consolidated Schools as an elementary school principal, served as an education specialist for the Farmington Municipal Schools, and then retired with the Bureau of Indian Education as a school principal. She returned to work to support the administration for students of higher education at Navajo Technical College (now Navajo Technical University). Her support to help students learn new concepts and achieve standards of higher learning was her passion which touched and influenced those who worked with her. She earned her GED, bachelor's and a master's degree while raising her children; then attempted to complete a Doctoral program, but home-life and work proved to become overwhelming that she felt it she would not be able to do her best in achieving that.
Sylvia, "Mom", "Grandma", "Sister", "Auntie", "Great grandma", was very special to her family. We all loved her; she had a way to make us laugh. Always needed to be doing something and could not just be idle.
She was a very good cook everyone loved all the meals she prepared. She enjoyed being outdoors especially camping at the sheep camp on Carrizo Mountain and accompanying her husband at various rodeos. Also enjoyed watching various sports events like NFL games (Broncos was her team), NBA, College basketball, and figure skating. She also liked to watch shows like Dancing with the Stars, The Voice, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune. She expressed her creativity through arts and crafts, cooking, home décor, and sewing.
On Friday, July 18, 2025, in Farmington New Mexico at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Rosary is scheduled to begin at 9:30AM to 10:00AM. Mass is scheduled to begin from 10:00AM to 11:00AM. Graveside service is scheduled to begin at 12:00PM to 1:00PM at Greenlawn Cemetery. Potluck reception will follow the graveside service at Sacred Heart Family Center 414 N Allen Ave, Farmington NM.
Donations can still be made directly to Brewer Lee and Larkin by calling (505) 325-8688. Thank you for being there for us and honoring the memory of our mother, Sylvia Ann Ashley. Your support has made a significant difference in our lives, and we are forever grateful. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sylvia, please visit our floral store.