Mary Elizabeth (Daniels) Ashworth of Fort Smith, Arkansas, formerly of Charleston, Arkansas, passed away peacefully and lead to Heaven by Michael the Archangel on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at her home in Fort Smith. She was born on August 29, 1938, in Charleston to her parents, Arthur and Margaret (Smith) Daniels. Mary was 86 years old.

Mary graduated from St. Scholastica Academy for Women in 1956. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, "Cotton" Ashworth; a stepson, Tom Ashworth; and her sister, Monica Daniels.

She is survived by her son, Dr. Chris Ashworth of Greenwood; a daughter, Debbie (David) Hoffman of Rudy; and a stepson, Richard (Dottie) Ashworth of Fayetteville; eight grandchildren; and her dog, Freckles.

A very dear friend and a long-term caregiver, Susan Killian, who provided Mary wonderful care for ten years. We are appreciative of all of the help from Heart of Hospice over the past year and a half.

Mary was an avid volunteer in Charleston for over 40 years. She was a 4H leader for Sacred Heart 4H Club for 11 years, taught young men to serve mass for many years, taught Catholic Religion Education classes for 12 years, and was the administrator of Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery for 25 years.  She worked with Charleston Little League Baseball for 12 years coordinating the concession stand so that profits could be used to help buy baseball and softball uniforms. She was the first woman to ever run for the Charleston Public School Board. She was an avid supporter of the Charleston Public Library and their summer reading program. She coordinated Bike-A-Thons for many years to raise money for St. Jude Children's Hospital, Arkansas Mentally Retarded Association, and other non-profits. She worked with the Charleston Riding Club in the concession stands. She was a member of the Mother's Society and the VFW Axillary.

After moving to Fort Smith, she volunteered at the Fort Smith Adult Education Center teaching people to read. This was her most enjoyable volunteer activity of her lifetime. She volunteered for Project Compassion for many years as well as supported the Fort Smith Women's Shelter and Hanna House, as much as she could, in any way. She had an exceptionally long and extensive decline in health through the years. We are grateful to all the caregivers who helped through the years especially Sonja Whitmore, as well as Eucharistic Minister Carol Kennedy and Project Compassion visitor Jean Flemming who visited religiously for years. Dr. Ashworth wants to say thank you to Susan Killian and Heart of Hospice for the kindness and care extended to her in the final weeks.

Funeral mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Charleston, officiated by Father Norman McFall on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, just east of Charleston immediately after mass, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel in Charleston. Officiating the service will be Deacon Kenny Stengel.

Pallbearers will be Vincent Benedetto, James Rogers, Sen. Bruce Holland, Jimmy Moore, Cole Killian, and Peyton Drackett.

In lieu of flowers, Mary requested donations be made to The Women's Crisis Intervention Center; 5603 S. 14th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas, or the Charleston Public Library.

Mom, rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus Christ!

To place in online tribute please visit, www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.