Sharon Hayes "Shay" Ashley

Sharon Hayes “Shay” King Ashley of Overland Park died on May 19, 2022 — two days before the anniversary of her birth in 1941. She often shared marvelous stories of her parents Carl Hayes, Elsie Nuss Hayes; and of growing up in Hutchinson, Kansas. Shay attended Stephens College and the University of Kansas to become what she always later described herself as, i.e., a schoolteacher.

During a career spanning more than 40 years in the Shawnee Mission, Kansas school district, “the teacher with big glasses” garnered respect from students as well as fellow educators. Her passions were history and current events. Upon retiring, Shay devoted herself to the Johnson County Young Matrons (JCYM). She served as President starting in May 2021.

She was the proud wife of and then widow of John T. Ashley, who predeceased her. Shay visited John’s memorial weekly until her own health prevented it. The family thanks especially good friends Mr. & Mrs. Gary Foos (Chris) for their generosity in helping both John and Shay wIth the difficulties of their final months.

Immediate family are Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Atkins (Erika)(née Ashley), their son Jonathan Thomas “JT”, and their daughter Katherine. These survivors — with the kind assistance of JCYM — invite mourners to remember Shay’s spirit on June 15, 2022 at the Johnson County Funeral Chapel and Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Avenue in Overland Park, Kansas, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon.

Instead of flower arrangements, the family requests donations to JCYM or to The American Lung Association.