Winifred Rosemary Asher

Winifred “Rosemary” Jean (Sass) Asher, age 94 of Alma, passed away at Masonic Pathways on Friday, September 15, 2023. Rosemary was born the daughter of the late Daniel Fredrick and Amy Winifred (Malin) Sass on July 30, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan. She was united in marriage to Douglas G. Asher on June 29, 1957 in Detroit, with him predeceasing her on May 7, 2008. Rosemay had worked for many years as a bookkeeper for her husband’s Asher Oil Company, and before marriage as a secretary for Parke Davis in Detroit. She and Douglas had lived in Detroit, Clinton Twp., Clare, Farwell, Roseville, Round Lake, Illinois and the Masonic Pathways in Alma. Rosemary belonged to the Eastern Stars and had served as the Worthy Matron of Zenobia Chapter in Clare on three separate occasions. Rosemary is survived by her children, Marian Smith of Manistee, David (Jeannie) Asher of Croswell, and Gordon (Cynthia) Asher of Spring Grove, IL; 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son Duane Asher, a son-in-law Norman Smith, an infant brother Roy, as well as brothers Daniel and Bill. Rosemary was loved by all who knew her. She was a loving and devoted mother, caring grandmother, but was also very outgoing and sociable, sometimes even termed “the life of the party”. In her time she was known to dance on tables (and occasionally even fall off). She lived up to her maiden name and could be “sassy” when she wanted. She and her husband made sure their children were raised with the strong core family values of religious beliefs, integrity, accountability, respect, and hard work. She enjoyed ballroom dancing with her husband and son and her hobby of genealogy. Her nieces and nephews will always remember their stays with the Asher family, swimming in their pool, and the many firsts they experienced while there. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home on Friday, September 22, 2023. Friends may gather with the family from 4 P.M. until the time of service. An Eastern Star Memorial will be held starting at 6 P.M., followed by a memorial tribute. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Rosemary’s name to Masonic Pathways, 1200 Wright Ave., Alma, Michigan 48801, or use their Memorial Link: https://michiganmasons.org/foundation/donate/

Winifred Rosemary Asher

July 30, 1929 - September 15, 2023