Joseph Mayo Ashley
Mayo left his earth, peacefully, on the evening of March 29, 2018 with those he loved by his side. He left, as he lived each day, on his own terms. Mayo was born April 15, 1936 in Miles City, Mt. The first born of 3 sons to Rosemary and Cecil Ashley.
After graduating from Custer County High School in 1954 he attended Miles Community College and later the University of Montana. He then began a journalism career beginning at the Miles City Star in 1958 and culminated with his being Sports Editor of the Great Falls Tribune from 1967 to 1973. He was named Sportswriter of the Year in 1972 and 1973. A midlife career change found him attending the University of Montana Law School graduating in 1976. Mayo began his law career with the Dept of Labor and Industry and then was appointed Dept Attorney General. In 1978 Mayo began a law career in private practice which he continued with a contagious passion until (literally) the day he died. Mayo loved the law. In addition to his two successful careers Mayo served for 12 years in the Navy Reserve being honorably discharged in 1966 as a radarman first class. He also was an avid golfer, reader and sports fan. He was very proud of being inducted into the Montana State Golf Association Hall of Fame in 1997.
Mayo is survived by, his bride of 56 years, Joan. He is also survived by his daughter Tracy (Terry) and grandsons Keenan and Tanner and his daughter Terri and granddaughters Shea and Emily and grandson Liam. Preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers Jerry and Tim.
He was a Grizzly through and through so in lieu of flowers please consider donating to the University of Montana foundation in his honor. SupportUM.org/FutureGriz or the charity of your choice.
“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever” Winnie The Pooh
Service Schedule
Funeral Liturgy
11:00 a.m.
Thursday April 5, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following Funeral Liturgy
Thursday April 5, 2018
Social Hall of Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
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Darlene Ashley says
I am a cousin from Terry and Miles City. Mayo and I were good friends way back in the late fifties when he had that hot Chevrolet. We had a lot of fun together until he left for Helena and I came to Denver. I was always so proud to be his cousin. He was a very nice and smart man. My best to you.
Darlene Ashley says
I am a cousin from Terry and Miles City. Mayo and I were good friends in the late fifties when he had that hot Chevrolet. We had a lot of fun together until he left Miles City and I came to Denver. I was always so proud to be his cousin and friend. He was a very smart and nice man. My best to you.
Dudley williams says
Joan and family: My condolences to you.
Val Hornsveld says
I had the pleasure of working with Mayo as the Clerk of Court in Broadwater County. He was a very kind and knowledgeable
Jeff sherlock says
So sorry to hear of Mayo’s passing. Years before I met him, I loved reading his stories in the tribune. It was great to see him in court, where he was always a good lawyer and a pleasant advocate. When court was over, he would usually set off a lively debate about who were the five best basketball players in Montana history. Rest in peace.
Julie & Jim DeMars says
Jim and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of our old friend and golf buddy, Mayo. Please know we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, Joanie and family. We hope you find comfort in all of the good memories you have of him.
May J. Mayo rest in peace.
Tim Easton says
Joanie, Tracy and Terri,
So sorry for your loss. The Eastons and Ashleys have a lot of history going back to the 70s. Miss the good old days of The Country Club and The Guys Canada Yearly golf trips. Mayo was so instrumental in The Zekes Charity Open in the 80s and 90s when it was one of the largest tournaments in the state.
You will be missed Good Friend. God Speed.
Allison Harmon says
Mayo was a part of our family growing up in Miles City when he was one of my Dads cronies.
Riding around in his grey mustang with the top down sticks out in my memory.
Gordie and Alice Spear included him in their extended family along with Norm Clarke and Don Harris. Each one of them characters and story tellers. Gordie loved them like sons…
Joan, Tracy and Terri know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Alice Spear-Bankey
Allison Spear Harmon
Bob Wood says
Mayo was a friend and a fine lawyer. He always combined his skill with civility. He will be deeply missed by friends and family alike.
Class of 1954 Custer County High School in Miles City says
Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Mayo was very special. We shared a lot of good times and we will cherish our memories.
Judy Keeler says
Hi Joanie,
I heard of Mayo’s passing and I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and your family.
You were so right when you said that Mayo lived his life on his terms!! He was passionate, and a true survivor. I have great memories of our times together – golfing, laughing, and just enjoying life!
My blessings to you and your family as you remember too the great times, laughs, fun, and the joy of his presence in your life.
Judy Keeler
Hines family says
I am sorry for your loss. May the family and friends find comfort
in each of your precious memories shared and in knowing God
cares and is close to the broken-hearted.
1 Peter 5:7, Psalms 34:18
A friend
Janice Sebek says
Hello Ashley family, I decided to try & look for Terri again & found this information about Mayo. I travelled with 3 other people from Minnesota to participate in Terri’s wedding. Joan & Mayo hosted all 4 of us at their home. It was the 1st time any of us had visited Montana. We all had a great time. Joan & Mayo were great hosts & Montana is beautiful. I’m very sorry for your loss!!!