Karen Lee Ashe

Karen Lee Ashe (McCauley), age 73, of Bellingham, passed away Monday, June 13, 2016, in Bellingham. Karen was happily married to William R. Ashe for 57 years.  Karen loved family camping trips to Lake Conner Park.   She loved to travel frequenting casinos with our Dad where she would always win on the penny machines.  Karen’s hobbies were floral arranging, cake baking and decorating and many other arts and crafts including crocheting and needle point.  She also loved to collect dolls.  She has over 400 dolls and music boxes. Karen was a Certified Nursing Assistant and loved it.   Together they raised five children; Merrie Roop (Jay) of Mukilteo, Brian Ashe of Bellingham, Lori Roop (Doug) of Monroe, Dennis Ashe of Ferndale and Kelli Ashe-Smetana of Bellingham.  She lived to spend time with twelve grandkids; Josh DuPraw, Cassie DuPraw, Hannah Roop, Jacob Roop, Ben Roop, Kimie Roop, Jordan Ashe, Kylie Ashe-Mack, (Bryant).  Kendra Smetana, Kollin Johnson, Kaylee Johnson and her three great grandchildren; Kaydence Ashe, Lincoln Ashe and Skylar Mack;  her siblings, Jim McCauley, Larry McCauley (Patti), Gary McCauley(Jenny), Linda McCauley and Don McCauley.  Karen was preceded in death by her parents George and Hazel (Schuette) McCauley of Bellingham, brother, Dennis McCauley Bellingham, daughter-in-law, Bekki Ashe Bellingham and grandson, Bert DuPraw of Mukilteo.  She was present at the birth of all of her grandchildren.  A graveside service will be held at Bayview Cemetery, 1420 Woburn Street, Bellingham, WA 98229, on Friday, June 24th at 11:00 followed by a celebration of life open house at The Northwood Hall, 3240 Northwest Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225, from 1:00pm-5:00pm.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Karen Ashe’s name to the American Heart Foundation.