With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the remarkable journey of Jane Bohm Wells Ashworth, who peacefully entered her eternal home on March 6, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, Jane leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and unwavering love.
Born on June 15, 1944, in Petoskey, Michigan, Jane was the beloved daughter of Norman and Mildred Wells. A proud graduate of Petoskey High School, Class of 1962, she pursued her passion for education at North Central Michigan College before earning her teaching degree from Western Michigan University.
Jane’s love for learning and service led her to leave her home state of Michigan for Anaheim, California, to continue her teaching career. It was there that she met the love of her life, Thomas V. Ashworth, a dedicated Marine CH-46 pilot from Paris, Arkansas. Their love story was one for the ages—Jane flew to Hawaii in 1969 to marry Tom while he was on R&R from his tour in Vietnam, beginning a beautiful 52-year marriage that was filled with deep faith, devotion, and shared purpose until Tom’s passing.
In 1978, Jane and Tom moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where she continued shaping young lives through her 41-year career in early elementary education. A gifted teacher and compassionate mentor, she left a lasting impact on generations of students, inspiring them with her patience, wisdom, and love.
Jane’s heart for others was evident in all she did, particularly in the way she and Tom faithfully lived out their Christian faith. One of their greatest joys was mentoring and befriending Hmong immigrants who had fled war-torn Vietnam and Laos, offering them support, encouragement, and a welcoming community.
Her faith remained the cornerstone of her life. She found joy in studying Scripture, attending church, and cherishing every moment with her family. In recent years, she found great solace and companionship in her dear friend, Carol Sweeney, whose presence was a comfort in the years following Tom’s passing.
Jane was preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas V. Ashworth, and her parents, Norman and Mildred Wells of Petoskey, Michigan.
She is lovingly survived by her children: Sarah Ashworth of Fort Smith; Jennifer Choyfoo and husband Eric Choyfoo of Cunningham, TN; and John Ashworth and wife Pam of Greenbrier, AR. She also leaves behind her brother, Norman Wells and wife Diane of Huntsville, AL; her brothers-in-law, Retired Colonel Dr. Richard Ashworth and wife Dottie of Fayetteville, AR, and Dr. Christopher Ashworth of Greenwood, AR; her sister-in-law, Deborah Ashworth-Hoffman and husband David of Van Buren, AR; and her 12 cherished grandchildren—Aleksandr, Maggie, Elijah, Ashworth, Eva Grace, Mandy, A.J., Dylan, Sydney, Jonah, Sophia, and Sadie.
Jane’s warmth, wisdom, and unwavering faith touched the lives of all who knew her. Though our hearts ache in her absence, we find peace in knowing that she has been reunited with Tom and now rests in the presence of her Lord.
A celebration of Jane’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 12th at Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home Chapel in Charleston, 32117 W. Hwy. 22, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and the incredible love she shared. Family will visit with family and friends directly following the memorial service.