Sparta resident and Van Buren County native Aline Simmons Ashley, 75, was born April 13, 1943 and died Oct. 17 at her residence following a sudden illness.

A retired vice president of operations with A.O. Smith and a member of Central Church of Christ in Sparta, she was the daughter of the late Gordon and Dovie Manus Simmons. She was married Dec. 26, 1967 to Herbert Lee Ashley, who preceded her in death Feb. 13, 2016. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by brother Malcolm Simmons; and brothers-in-law Jr. Nunley and Thorold Ramsey.

She is survived by five siblings and spouses, Virginia and Lonnie Deweese of Spencer, Joe G. and Allene Simmons of Sparta, AR and Shirley Simmons of Spencer, Inez Nunley and Fred of McMinnville, and Fred and Lynn Simmons of Chattanooga; godchildren, Devin Lee Simmons and wife Alyssa of the Mooneyham community and Emily Hargis and husband Bradley of Pikeville; two sisters-in-law Reba Simmons of Tracy City, and Notie Ramsey of McMinnville; brother-in-law, Johnny Ashley of McMinnville; special cousins, Kenny and Peggy Simmons of the Mooneyham community and Rick and Betsy Eckardt of Canton, Ga.; special friends, Charlotte Ray and Venita Rutland, both of McMinnville; and special nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, at High’s Chapel with Dennis Deweese, Brian McCutchen and Christopher Wiles officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. View Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. and from 12 p.m. until the time of service Sunday at High’s. Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

(McMinnville, Tenn.) Oct. 19, 2018