Marilyn Miller Ashley, 74, of Rockingham, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.
Marilyn is a daughter of the late George and Frances Miller. She was born Aug. 17, 1950 in Waxhaw, North Carolina.
Marilyn was a graduate of Parkwood High School and was valedictorian of her graduating class in 1968. Marilyn started running at the age of 32 in order to get in shape to keep up with her active 3-year-old son. After running in her first road race in Rockingham in 1982, her passion for running grew.
She entered many road races during the next 20 years or so throughout North and South Carolina. In 1987 and 1988, she was the female winner of the Carolina Tour 30-39 age group. Marilyn’s goal was to run one marathon which she did in 1992 in 4 hours and 10 minutes. She was always proud of her personal record of 45 minutes in a 10k.
Marilyn tended to the home primarily, but for many years worked as a sales representative for Avon cosmetics. She was an avid reader, loved music (especially the Bee Gees), her pets, and working in the yard.
Marilyn is survived by her husband of f54 years, Richard Ashley; sons, Rick and Greg Ashley; son-in-law, Shawn Eisenhower; siblings, Wayne Miller (spouse Donna), Sheila Simpson (husband Jerry), and Carol Starnes (husband Tony); beloved cats of the home, Larry and Sandy; grand pets Tiko, Pepe and Jax the cat of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents; and cherished cat, Ziggy.
The family will receive friends for visitation Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, from 1-2 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham, North Carolina. Service will follow at 2 p.m. with George Crump and James Mims officiating. Burial will commence at Richmond Co. Memorial Park.
In addition to flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Online condolences can be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home is assisting the Ashley family.
