Irene Ashley

Irene Ann Havelka Ashley, a third generation Czech Texan, passed away February 26th at the age of 89 with her family by her side. She was born on October 4, 1934 to Emil and Mary Havelka. Being raised in a Czech community, Irene spent many times at Moravian Hall in Corpus Christi attending dances and family reunions. She graduated from Incarnate Word High School in Corpus Christi and moved to Houston to start a banking career. Irene moved back to Corpus in 1958 and met the love of her life, Irvin D (Bud) Ashley. They married in 1959 and had 4 boys. Irene started her banking career as a runner and retired as an Executive Vice President of First Commerce Bank in Corpus Christi. Her career was very important to her, but her family was equally as important. While raising her four boys she attended and graduated from The School of Banking University of Wisconsin (‘81) and The University of Colorado (‘83). After retiring in 1986, Irene enjoyed working in her yard and gardening. She also started a business, Wood and Stiches, buying and selling antiques. Irene and Bud were in The Goodie Box, Goodie Box Antiques, and The Picket Fence in Three Rivers. After losing Bud in 2010, Irene continued to work at the Goodie Box and was an officer for business until 2019 when she moved to Austin to live with her youngest son Jack. In 2021 Jack retired and she and Jack moved back to her home in Three Rivers. In her last years, Irene enjoyed Round Rock donuts, a medium rare steak, grilled asparagus, and squash, and a good poppy seed kolache. She also loved spending time with her family and looked forward to visiting her daughter in law Dana Ashley who would always cut and style her hair. She also loved her visits to WILAT ranch in Aransas Pass to see her nieces and nephews. Jack took loving care of Irene until she went home to our Lord Jesus Christ! Irene is preceded in death by her parents Emil and Mary Havelka, brother Louis Havelka, Sister Evelyn Lovell, son Allen Ashley, nephews Ron Havelka and Jerry Ashley, grandson, Ben Long, and her loving husband, Irvin D (Bud) Ashley. Survivors include sons Jim (Helen) Ashley, Mike Ashley and Jack Ashley, daughter in law Dana Ashley, grandchildren Amanda Ashley, Kristan Ashley, Joey (Kat) Ashley, Kathy (Ricky) Rogers, Shay (Daniel) Ashley and Allen Ashley, 8 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by a rosary at 7 p.m. at Roberson Funeral Home in Three Rivers. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 9 at 1 p.m. at St. George Catholic Church in George West followed by the burial at St. George Cemetery in George West. Pallbearers will be Allen Ashley, Joey Ashley, Harris Ashley, Rusty Havelka, Danny Durand and Daniel Story.

Irene Ashley

October 4, 1934 - February 26, 2024