Paula Ashby

Paula T. Ashby, 85, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Bruneau on March 10, 2013.

Cremation was under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home.

Paula Therese Jaeger was born on Sept. 14, 1927, in Germany, to Heinrich Jaeger and Katharina Weiss. She was the youngest of three children.

As a young lady, Paula met Raymond Ashby, who was stationed in Germany with the U.S. Air Force. In 1951, they were married and came to the United States where they continued to serve in the military. Paula was proud to be an American, often telling how she'd had to study and had passed her citizenship test so many years ago with flying colors.

Paula and Ray had three children and upon military retirement, settled close to home to operate a successful heavy equipment business, one that has sustained and is still family owned and operated by their sons, Henry and Scott.

After retirement, Paula and Ray enjoyed spending many years and making good memories at their ranch on Bluff Lake in British Columbia, Canada.

The last big venture was a ranch in the hills of Owyhee County. Paula worked side by side with Ray as they fixed the place up. They were proud of all they'd done and it was the spot for a precious few family gatherings. After Ray's passing in 2007, Paula continued making the trip there with her children's help. She and her daughter, Henrietta, made it into a home away from home. It was always a working vacation and a labor of love for her.

Paula was a bright, shining light and will be missed. She often said herself that she had had a long, happy and a very good life.

As she wished, there will be no services and her ashes will be laid to rest in Annie Valley, her place in the Owyhees.

Paula is survived by her daughter, Henrietta Acarregui, Henrietta's daughter, Becky Bennett, and companion Matt Hiddleston and their children, Clay Hebert, Tyler Hebert and Shane Hiddleston, her son, Henry, and his wife, Linda Ashby, Henry's son Casey and his wife, Kate, with their children Avery and Harper, Henry's son Caleb and his wife, Karen, and their daughter, Clare, her son Scott Ashby and his children, Cody and Cory.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ray, one brother and one sister.

Memorials may be made in Paula's name to the Bruneau Quick Response Unit, P.O. Box 294, Bruneau, ID 83604.