Our hearts are heavy as we announce that Gloria Jean Ashby (nee O’Rourke) passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Gloria was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 13, 1946, to Elsie (Joliffe) and William O’Rourke. She was the firstborn of five children, Sharon, Lanette, Christine, and William Jr. She was proud to have been raised in and around Detroit and attended Southwestern High School.

She worked as a homemaker for many years before extending those skills as a private housekeeper and waitress eventually finding long-term employment in Environmental Services for what was formerly Botsford Hospital (now Corewell Heath Farmington). She was there for more than two decades before retiring at age 72. She loved her work and was known for her kindness towards patients, physicians, nurses, and staff. She would talk to everyone and support them through prayer, song, scripture, or silent witness.

Always the first to volunteer to serve, you could often find Gloria in the kitchen or helping run the dining room at events at church or any social gathering. She was an early volunteer for Rhema International, a health and education ministry in Haiti. Working with children was a true joy and she spent many years with the pre-school and early elementary population in nurseries and Sunday School, planting early seeds of faith for so many.

Her love of the outdoors came through as a Girl Scout/Brownie Leader and camp counselor, as well as her time as an assistant camp director for Joy of Jesus Ministries. She and her dear friend, Barbara Grier, who was camp director, created a women’s group, Daughters of Sarah. Although short lived, it remained a lifelong highlight for Gloria. She had a passion for Bible study and attended many classes while also conducting her own research. Her personal library of religious texts is very impressive.

Gloria is survived by her husband of 35 years, Dale Ashby. They married on February 14, 1991. She had two daughters, Laurie Ann (Arthur) and Colleen Marie (Brian) from her first marriage and embraced a son, Jason, in her second. She was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Autumn, Matthew, Meghan, Ian, Shannon, Aidan, Jared, Isabelle, Alec, and Hannah, and four great-grandchildren. She has many beloved brothers and sisters in law, and nephews and nieces. She enjoyed the resulting large family gatherings.

Gloria is preceded in death by her parents and their siblings, along with several of her closest friends who were like family: Diane Bodner, Lois Canady, and Aileen Shalling.

The visitation will be held Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 1:30 - 5:00 pm at Manns Family Funeral Home. A funeral service and time of sharing will be held from 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Burial will be Monday at 10:00 am at Parkview Memorial Cemetery in Livonia.