Lynn Olson Ashby
November 20, 1958-July 14, 2024
Lynn Olson Ashby was born Lynn Camille Olson Nov. 20, 1958, in Rockwell, Iowa, to Keith and Ardis (Ardy) Olson. She was very close with her mother, father and sister Jill, even choosing Jill’s name. Lynn participated in bell choir and United Methodist Youth Fellowship and learned to sew, knit, quilt and play bassoon. After four years as Eldora High School’s drum major, Lynn became valedictorian. Even as a youth, she was developing the kindness, approachability, faith, loyalty, and insight that were so prominent throughout her life.
While at the University of Iowa, Lynn got acquainted with Thomas (Tom) Ashby through a campus ministry that employed Tom part-time as a peer minister. When they started dating, Tom decided he had better discontinue taking credit on his timesheets for calling on Lynn!
Lynn successfully completed undergraduate and then physician assistant graduate school at the University of Iowa. Lynn survived a bout with cancer, receiving treatment she valued at Mayo Clinic. During this time, Lynn felt a heart-warming assurance from God that became a core experience in her Christian walk. She and Tom joyfully married August 3, 1985. She joined Tom in Omaha to set up a household.
Lynn and Tom were privileged to be active 34 years at Rockbrook United Methodist Church. Lynn promoted grace through Jesus and discipleship: She served as Education Committee chair, member of a statewide foundation board, Vacation Bible School leader, volunteer leader and server in youth ministry, Good News Jail & Prison Ministry monthly worship organizer and leader and weekly library leader, volunteer for and board member of a Christian camp called Camp Fontanelle, and health care short term mission worker in Jamaica. Lynn’s strong gift of administration, is illustrated by her organizing trips in Jamaica to a facility for vulnerable girls, who once so enjoyed a jump rope Lynn gave them that they wore it out within a week! Lynn served as an informal foster parent figure for several months for a teenager in a struggling situation, who later went on to become a pastor and remains a valued friend.
In 2019, Lynn and Tom changed congregations to Christ Community Church. She joyfully played bassoon in the church orchestra, helped with a youth prayer group and other prayer efforts, and organized various donations from seasonal shipments to Gabon, international gospel workers, to local resources for needy individuals with whom Lynn met, etc.
Lynn actively supported Cru; the pro-family, anti-gambling group Gambling with the Good Life; Compassion International; Heifer Project International; and Westside Schools Band Parents Association, over which she presided for a time. She became well known for wisdom, positive communication, wit and mentoring of young married women.
Lynn also enjoyed taking her loved ones on vacations she skillfully planned. Earlier, this included outdoor fun and learning for her children Elizabeth Ann (Annie) and Benjamin Keith (Ben). Later, this included birding, shelling and viewing Christian art. Lynn loved and excelled at cooking and baking. Anyone who has ever tasted Lynn’s peppermint brownies, cheesy mashed potatoes, or fruited chicken is nodding vigorously. Lynn enjoyed Bible study, two book clubs, exercise class, and diligently caring for Annie, Ben, Tom and extended family. Lighter activities included Downton Abbey and All Creatures Great and Small fandom, outsmarting backyard garden grackles, and playing bridge.
Lynn would probably be quick to transfer our focus, however, to Jesus and the grace He offers for rescuing us from sin and adoption into God’s family (John 3:16-18 and Ephesians 1:4b-5).
Lynn is survived by husband Tom, children Annie and Ben, sister Jill (Olson) Spitzack, brother-in-law Tim Spitzack, son-in-law Andy James, daughter-in-law Timber Ashby, aunt and uncle Grace and Don Kidd, uncle Dean Darrington, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS: Thursday July 18, from 6:00-8:30PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE FUNERAL SERVICE: Friday, July 19, 2024, at 4:00PM, the Chapel at Christ Community Church, 404 S. 108th Avenue, Omaha.
Memorials in her honor are suggested, in lieu of flowers, to Christian Missionary and Alliance Great Compassion Fund or Christ Community Church (Omaha).
13 Comments
What a beautiful person Lynn was and always putting Gods work first.
God Blessing on the family.
I was blessed to get to be a nieghbor and friend to Lynn. Her kindness, strength and faith have had no measure.
Lynn is simply one of the finest people I have ever known In the dictionary under Christian, there is a picture of Lynn She will be missed greatly by all who know her . Many thanks to Lynn for being such a kind and loving example to me
A beautiful tribute to an amazing and inspiring woman. Very well written life story. Love to all the Ashbys during this time with this great loss. We were all lucky to know Mrs. Ashby. She touched so many lives.
I am so saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing Ben. At the same time I am joyful for her obvious legacy of faith and knowledge of the eternal reward she is now enjoying. Prayers for peace during your still difficult time of mourning.
I am sad to hear of your mom’s passing. I feel honored to have been able to meet your mom. It is good to know that she is in the arms of Jesus.
Lynn was a beautiful person. It was a privilege to call her “friend.” I will miss her smile and quick wit.
We are so grateful that both Lynn and Tom played a role in the formation of our family. When we were looking for a child to adopt, God used the Ashby’s as instruments to place our “Dear Birthmother” letter in the hands of the person that gave it to our oldest son’s birthmother. Tom and Lynn are Stephen’s Godparents and we have enjoyed connections for 33 years as our families grew up.
It was our privilege to know the Ashby Family for over 34 years at Rockbrook UMC. Lynn was not only a leader but a “doer.”
Vern Underwood
Lynn was a kind and gentle soul. Her faith was never imposing on others but it always shined from within. Her love for her family and dedication to those she worked with and serve was a moving force. I am grateful to having met her and collaborated with her to care for some of her Spanish and Arabic speaking patients. She was a very compassionate healthcare provider who deeply cared about her patients, their family and wellbeing. I will miss seeing her beautiful smile and welcoming embrace but I know she has completed her earthly journey. May her family and loved ones be comforted knowing that she is in paradise where there are no tears nor struggle nor pain.
Tom I’m so sorry to hear of Lynn’s passing from this world and filled with joy that she passed into the arms of Jesus who she faithfully served. It was a privilege to minister to you both.
I had the wonderful pleasure Of working with Lynn in pediatrics for three years at UNMC. She was always such a delight to work with, very caring and had a way about her that made patients and their parents feel at ease. My heartfelt condolences to her wonderful family that I know she cherished very much. I hope that you find peace and comfort in your time of sorrow.
I’ve known Lynn since we were children; our parents knew each other in Rockwell. She was a wonderful, thoughtful friend & we exchanged emails almost weekly over the past 4 years. She also wrote wonderful Christmas letters. She will be much missed. My deepest sympathy to Tom, Jil, Annie, Ben & your family.
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