Janice Casey

Janice Elaine Casey of Hamilton, died Monday March 3rd, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas, at the age of 85, due to complications from a cerebrovascular event.

She was born November 30, 1939, in Great Bend, Kansas. Her life was a remarkable journey that combined learning and leadership. Her legacy is a tapestry of memories woven from decades of service and steadfast dedication to her family and friends.

Janice graduated Salutatorian from Ellinwood High School in 1956 at the age of 17. She married Sherman Ashley Jr. on September 20, 1958. While juggling home & family, she chose to further her education earning a bachelor's degree in education from Kansas State Teachers College in 1960.

Janice taught high school journalism, forensics, and theater winning state honors. Later in her career, she transitioned from education to management and financial services, serving on the board of many civic and charitable organizations earning awards and accolades. Janice was ahead of her time leading with confidence and drive during a time when women were expected to follow.  Janice never lost her love of learning. As a long-standing member of the Hamilton Library Board, her passion for knowledge was always a guide, not just in her life, but also the lives of countless individuals she touched.

Janice was a force of nature. She had an indomitable spirit, strong opinions, and a tenacious will. She was open about her bullheadedness, yet there was a gentler side that many cherished. Her home was a welcoming refuge, always open to strays-both the four-legged and two-legged variety. Janice's generosity extended beyond her resources; she dedicated her time and love to others without hesitation.

Janice's Journey was bittersweet, marked by the absence of those who preceded her, including her cherished father, Floyd Elmer Hawkins who died when she was very young, her beloved mother Elaine "Pearl" (Bobey) Hawkins, her husband of 50 years, Sherman Ashley Jr. and her son Curtis Duane Ashley. They remain a testament to her resilience. Janice carried their memories as she navigated through life's many challenges and joys.

Janice is survived by her husband of 10 years Melvin Casey of Hamilton, Kansas, her son Steve (Paige) Ashley of Tonganoxie, Kansas, grandchildren Brian (Mandy) of Lawrence, Kansas, Taylor Ashley of Topeka, Kansas, brothers Jim (Francis) Bobey of Eureka, Kansas, and Jerry (Linda) Bobey of Topeka, Kansas.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Monday, at Koup Family Funeral Home Eureka, Kansas. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, March 11, at the Neal United Methodist Church. The family will greet relatives and friends at the Neal Community Building following the funeral. A private family interment will follow at the Virgil Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Hamilton City Library. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eureka KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online at koupfunerals.com.