Marlis Marie Ashton

On October 22, 2022 Marlis Marie Ashton, 66, earned her wings to walk among the angels in heaven. Though Marlis’s health was failing over the last couple of years, few people knew the extent to which she struggled. Her contagious joy for life and indomitable spirit kept her pushing through the pain she hid from so many.

Marlis had a compassionate spirit, was full of sass and forever devoted to caring for others. She never met a stranger, instead, she had friends she just hadn’t had a chance to speak to yet. She lit up any room she walked into and left those among her with an enormous smile. Marlis is one of the strongest women I’ve ever met and easily spoke her peace with great inflection & dialect. Over the course of her life, she earned several aliases that she was proud to be summoned by: Momma, Marvelous Marlis, MarMar, and Nanna.

Marlis was born to Geneva & Oscar Sensabaugh on April 10, 1956, in Enid, Oklahoma. As a child, she was blessed to travel and live around the globe and across the United States as her father served in the military. She settled in Ballinger with her family and was happy to build a life in West Texas with her two children.

Marlis was preceded in death by her loving parents, Mr. & Mrs. O.F. Sensabaugh, her brothers Stanley & Stephen Kershman, and her spouse Randy Ashton. She leaves behind her children: Eric Sensabaugh and his wife Amy, Yvonne Busenlehner and her husband Adam, and step-son Brian Ashton and his wife Lisa; her grandchildren whom she adored with all her heart: Ashlyn Ashton, Valerie Miller and her husband Joshua as well as their 3 adorable children, Ty Sensabaugh, and Genevieve Fuentes (Genna Bee); sisters: Linda Kershman, Diana Bryan, and Patricia Schwertner; she also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins that she loved so dearly.

Our sincerest gratitude is shared with all who loved and cared for Marlis during this challenging journey. We are forever grateful for her special friends Tanya, Kathy, and Connie. She loved you ladies fiercely.

Keeping with Marlis’s unique spirit, a traditional service will not be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shannon Oncology Center.