Marianna T Ashburn

Marianna T. Ashburn, 80, of the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home, formerly of Juniata Gap, died Thursday at UPMC, Altoona. She was born in Altoona, the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Anna (Nebelski) Malone. She married Fred Robert Ashburn, Sr. on March 2, 1950 in Altoona. He preceded her in death on September 24, 1986. Surviving are two daughters, Diana Rickabaugh, of Altoona, Patricia Tatsch, of Hollidaysburg, five grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren and one brother, David Malone, of Juniata and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sons, Fred, Jr., on July 26, 2009 and infant son Daniel Alfred in 1954. Marianna graduated from Altoona High School in 1951 and studied pre law at Penn State. She worked at Puritan Sportsware billing department, Altoona Hospital Insurance Department, Altoona Police Department as a school guard, Altoona School District as a teacher's aide, the Commonwealth of PA as a computer operator, was the owner of Precious Pets Sitting Service and was self- employed as a seamstress and artist. She was a great granddaughter of Czar Alexander II of Russia. Czar Alexander was the father of her maternal grandfather, Kazmier Nebelski. During World War II, she was a member of the "Wives of the 101st Airborne, where her husband served during the war. Marianna was an artist and won 1st place for a Safety Poster used in Pennsylvania in 1947 and the same year also won 1st place for a still-life painting of roses. She also wrote many editorials to the Altoona Mirror over the years. She will be remembered for her loving care of animals and the help she gave to those in need. She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Juniata. Friends will be received from 6-8pm, Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home, Inc., Juniata where there will be a vigil for the deceased during the viewing hours. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am Wednesday, May 28, 2014, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Juniata, Msgr. Michael Servinsky, as celebrant. Committal at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Central PA Humane Society, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd, Altoona, PA 16602.