Deanna Jean Ashmore

Deanna Jean Ashmore was born June 2, 1941, and passed away on November 29, 2023 at her home in Littleton, with her loving husband and family by her side. She was the daughter of Bernard A. and Marion B. Welch, nee Farley. She was the wife of James L. Ashmore Jr., with whom she recently celebrated 45 years of marriage. They were married on October 14, 1978.

Deanna was a 1959 graduate of Central High School in Manchester, NH. She was an active member of the Eagles and Elks Lodge, as well as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Deanna lived abroad in Germany and England while accompanying her husband, Jim, on tours of duty in Europe, and had the opportunity to travel widely throughout the continent. Her warm and welcoming nature made her friends everywhere she went.

Deanna enjoyed playing cards & board games with family and friends, and created lasting memories and bonds playing two of her favorites, cribbage and Tock. Deanna loved her New England sports teams (Go Pats!), taking care of her houseplants and flowers, good company around the fire pit, and watching crime dramas and game shows late into the evening with her husband. While she took pride in caring for her family and keeping a clean and tidy house, Deanna loved to get behind the wheel for a drive. Whether it was multi-hour trips across many states, or driving the backroads of her beloved New England in fall, to feel the road beneath her and to see the colors of the natural world around her–these were among her favorite things. Though she may have embarked on her final journey, Deanna’s vibrant life will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to spend time with her.

Deanna is predeceased by her son-in-law, Richard E. (Rich) Brown, of Buffalo, NY. 

She is survived by her husband, James L. Ashmore Jr., her five children and their spouses: Scott A. and Eileen Chaisson, nee Early; James L. Ashmore III and wife Lisa, nee Popenga; Pamela Steffen and her husband Brian Bernier; Jodi L. Brown, nee Ashmore; and James M. (Mike) Steffen; grandchildren Danielle M. T. Pratts, James L. Ashmore IV and Charlotte C. Ashmore, and two great-grandsons, Waylon J. and Levi H. Mejak. She also leaves behind her brother, Duane B. Welch and his wife Yvette Welch, and many more loved ones.

A gathering will be held at the Boscawen Funeral Chapel on Wednesday December 6, 2023, beginning at 11:30AM. Following the gathering there will be a procession to the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery for a chapel service beginning at 1pm.