Alma Joyce Atwood Ashby

Alma Joyce Atwood Ashby of Franklin TN, was born on June 16, 1938 in Marshall County KY to Thomas Calvin and Flora Dorothy (Kennedy) Atwood. She passed away on August 18, 2025 at her home.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands Hugh Clinton Ashby and Bobby Charles Owen, brother Thomas Calvin Jr. Atwood, and sister Cuava June Atwood. Family survivors include a son, Forrest Ashby of Phoenix, AZ; daughter Sarah Graves (Keith) of Franklin TN; brother Ronald Atwood (Virginia) of Lexington KY; granddaughters Hallie Ragan (Matthew) and Emily Bonds (Braxton) of Franklin TN; and four great-grandchildren: Kingston, Ashby, Layla-James, and Anderson.

Alma attended Murray State College where she earned a B.A. in English and Physical Education in 1960. While at Murray State, she was president of Sigma Sigma Sigma and the Women’s Athletic Association, secretary of the Student Council, and Miss Murray State 1959. At Murray, she met her husband Hugh.

Alma taught physical education at Jetton Junior High School in Paducah KY and English and physical education at Elkhorn School in Frankfort KY. In 1968 Alma and Hugh moved to St. Louis MO where Alma raised her children with love (and numerous memorable camping and boating trips). She took on leadership and faith formation roles at Hamilton Christian Church. She was a co-founder of the Hamilton Pre-School in Creve Coeur MO, an advocate for a visually impaired family, and a sponsor of a refugee family. She loved golfing, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

After Hugh’s death, Alma split time between Franklin TN and Tucson AZ. She married Bobby Owen in 2006 and enjoyed being a “bonus mom” to his daughters: Jill, Rae, Jolie, and Holly. Alma was a devoted caretaker to her parents, husbands, and sister during their illnesses. Most of all, she enjoyed being a mom, grandma, great-grandma, wife, sister, cousin, aunt, friend, and good neighbor. She faced all challenges, including her pancreatic cancer, with dignity and compassion for herself and others.

You are invited to attend a memorial celebration (Visitation 10 AM, Service 11 AM) on Monday, September 8 at Franklin First United Methodist Church, 120 Aldersgate Way, Franklin TN 37069. A private burial in Kentucky will take place at a later date. The family respectfully requests no flowers or donations. We appreciate your prayers, love and support.

Words cannot fully express. Love will surely do.