Obituary of Mary K. Ash

Mary K. Ash of 310 North 5th Street, passed away on Wednesday November 23, 2011 at the Pines Health and Rehabilitation Center in Olean surrounded by her loving & devoted family. Mrs. Ash was born June 1, 1922 in Olean, and was a daughter of Nagem and Anna Saab Knieser. On July 4, 1946 in St. Joseph's Maronite Church, She married her husband of over 65 years, Ameil M. Ash, who survives. Mrs. Ash was a graduate of St. Mary's School and in 1940 a graduate Olean High School. She attended St. Francis School of Nursing and worked as a Nurses Aid during World War II. Following WWII, she began working at the family's clothing store "Knieser's Clothing" where she continued to work until it was closed in the mid 1990's. Mrs. Ash was a life long member of St. Joseph's Maronite Church and its Altar Society. She enjoyed bowling and working Bingo at Sharbel Hall. She also enjoyed knitting afghans but most of all she loved taking care of her family and especially her grandchildren. In addition to her loving & devoted husband, Mrs. Ash is survived by three sons, Emil J. Ash, Peter J. (Mary) Ash and Paul J. Ash all of Olean; 10 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Ash is predeceased by one son, David M. Ash 1970; three brothers, Joseph, John, and Michael Knieser; and six sisters, Rose Sader, Helen Teppas, Josephine Knieser, Julia Farris, Olga Knieser and Teckla Hamman. Friends will be received on Friday, November 25, 2011 in the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. #646 E. State Street, Olean from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2011 beginning with a prayer service in the funeral home at 9:30 am. A Divine Liturgy will be prayed at 10:00 am in the Transfiguration Oratory at 1102 Walnut Street, Olean. The Rev. Anthony J. Salim, Pastor of St. Joseph's Maronite Church, will celebrate. Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany. Incense Service will be held on Friday evening in the funeral home at 8:30 pm. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the St. Joseph's Maronite Church 225 North 4th Street, Olean or to the Friends of the Cattaraugus County Nursing Homes #2245 West State Street, Olean, New York 14760. Online condolences may be by clicking on the above button.