Auburn-Sylvia M. Ashby, 77, of Bolster Heights Care Facility in Auburn for the past eight years went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 26, 2011 at Central Maine Medical Center.

She was born in Richmond on January 4, 1934 the daughter of John and Harriett Grover Bixby.

Sylvia attended Richmond Schools and later received her diploma in 1990 from Oxford Hills High School.

In 1964 she married Stanley Ashby and they traveled as missionaries to Costa Rica and Ecuador.

Sylvia received the rank of Lt. Colonel from the National-International Rescue Mission and was also an ordained minister holding the same rank.

Sylvia is survived by a sister, Donna Rowe and her husband Lloyd of Norway, brother John F. Bixby Jr., and his wife Susan of South Paris, nieces, nephews, great nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her parents, husband and brother Elden McKee.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, September 29th from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm at Kincer Funeral home. A funeral will take place on Friday, September 30th at 2pm at Kincer Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Gardiner.

In Sylvia’s memory donations may be made to the Christian School at Grace Baptist Church 398 Paris Hill Rd. South Paris, Me 04281

Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home 130 Pleasant St. Richmond, Me 04357