Mae C. Ashton, 78, of Austin, Minnesota, died Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester – Saint Marys Campus. Mae Carol Bjork was born on May 23, 1938 at home in Mower County, Minnesota, the daughter of Fred and Mabel (Thorseth) Bjork. She graduated from Austin High School in 1956 and went to work for Hormel Foods in clerical and accounting positions. She retired in 1999, after 43 years of service to the company. On Dec. 11, 1965, Mae was united in marriage to Bruce Ashton at St. Luke’s in Lansing. Their union was blessed with three children. Bruce passed away May 1, 1999. Mae’s favorite pastimes included playing cards and games, traveling, annual Vegas trips with her girlfriends, and cribbage with her “fierce competitor” and dear friend Jackie Lyons. Most important to Mae was spending time with family and friends. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Mae is survived by her children: Douglas Ashton, Diane Ashton (James ‘Jimmy’ Meyer), and Debra Ashton (Dean Nelson), all of Austin, Minnesota; five grandchildren: Deven (Michelle) Leidall, Lisa (Taylor) Leidall, Aimee (Ridge) Leidall, Jaynie (Doug) Bolster, and Tyler (Felicia) Bolster; four great-grandchildren and one on the way; sisters: Betsy Retterath of Adams, Minnesota, Fern (Frank) Bily of Montgomery, Minnesota, Ruth Schmidt of Austin, Minnesota; brothers: Joseph (Janet) Bjork of Embarrass, Minnesota, Delano (Ramona) Bjork of Zapata, Texas, and Roger (Lila) Bjork, of Decorah, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Mabel Bjork, three sisters, and four brothers.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 3, 2016, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Mark Niethammer officiating. The Ashton family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, at Worlein Funeral Home, and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.