HR1290 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1290 LRB093 14244 HSS 43998 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois were saddened to learn of the death of Lovance (Vance) Francis Ashley on Friday, October 3, 2003; and

WHEREAS, Lovance Francis Ashley was born on October 27, 1926, in Pass Christian, Mississippi to William and Louella Ashley; he attended Randolph High School and graduated in 1945; and

WHEREAS, Following graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy, where he served his country honorably; he moved to Chicago upon completion of his service, where he married Jean Margaret Geddes on January 17, 1948, at St. Anselms Church; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ashley attended Wilson Junior College and various technical institutes; for 40 years, he worked for the Chicago Transit Authority, beginning as a streetcar conductor and ending his career as a legal claims investigator; during his long tenure at CTA, he worked various part-time jobs that included Weiss Hardware Store and Marshall Field's; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ashley enjoyed being active and was involved in bowling, tennis, walking, playing bridge, strength training with his personal trainer, and cavorting with his great-granddaughter, Karyn Elise; he belonged to the Jolly Seniors and Louis Rogers Bowling Clubs, the CTA Breakfast Club, the Couple's Club, and the Bridge Club; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ashley was committed to community service; he volunteered at Little Company of Mary Hospital and Chicago State University upon his retirement from the CTA; he was known to always be supportive of family and friends and would lend a hand whenever and wherever necessary; he was a man of strong convictions who truly believed in and followed the teachings of his religion; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Mr. Ashley has been deeply felt by many, especially his wife, Jean; his son, Lovance Jr. (Alana); his daughters, Karen Hamilton (Ron), Jeannine Jones, and Maria Ashley; his twin brother, Lawrence (Mildred); his sister, Helen; his granddaughters, Maria Armstead (Sean), Monique Rodgers (Mark), and Ashley Jones; his grandson, Jasond Jones; his great-granddaughter, Karyn Elise Armstead; his sister-in-law, Yvonne LaFargue; his brothers-in-law, George and Edward Geddes; and his numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Lovance Francis Ashley and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Mr. Ashley as an expression of our sincerest condolences.