The Richmond News, May 8, 2026

Anna Lee (Ann) Duffett Ashley, age 87, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026.

She was born Feb. 15, 1939, near Camden, the only child of A. David and Georgia G. Graham (Hutson) Duffett.

At age 4, the family moved to the Sunshine community south of Henrietta. Anna attended the Sunshine School for three years, and after it closed, attended grade school in Henrietta for three years.

Because of the 1951 flood, the family again moved back to the Camden hills. She attended the Camden grade and high school until her senior year, when the school closed. She then attended Richmond High School, graduating in 1957.

While going to school at Camden, Anna met George M. Ashley. They married on Sept. 19, 1958. To this union, two daughters were born: Marie Annette (July 13, 1959); and Bonita Lynn (July 13, 1960).

Anna loved her horses, breaking and teaching them tricks. In later life, she enjoyed woodworking, gardening, family genealogy, and most of all, fishing.

Survivors include her daughter, Bonita (Kyle) Dunwoodie; grandsons, Loren Gene (Stephanie) Proffitt and Joseph Dane (Ashley) Dunwoodie; granddaughter, Megan Ashley Harbison; and son-in-law, Bobby Gene Proffitt. Other survivors include her great-grandchildren, Blakely Morgan and Hadley Quinn Harbison, Joseph Finnegan (Finn) and Hayes Thomas Dunwoodie, and River Marie and Rain Alice Proffitt; and niece, Saundra Tippins (John) Pascavage.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and daughter, Marie Annette Proffitt.

At her request, there will be a graveside service at 6 p.m. Monday, May 11, at Cravens Cemetery, Camden.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shirkey Hospice or the Cravens Cemetery Association.

Please share your memories of Anna with the family at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.