Elizabeth M. (Schroeder) Ashton

STANFORDVILLE — Elizabeth M. (Schroeder) Ashton, 44, passed away peacefully at home in the arms of her husband on July 27, 2011, following a long struggle with cancer.Beth brought joy and love to everything she did and everyone she met. Known for her beautiful voice and thoughtful songwriting, she loved singing and playing music in local folk and bluegrass venues with her husband, Steve.She was born Sept. 21, 1966, in Sharon, the daughter of the late Betty (Smith) and Carl A. Schroeder.Beth grew up in Pine Plains. She attended Dutchess Community College, SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY ESF, where she attained a degree in landscape architecture. For eight years after completing college, she was the head gardener of the perennial gardens at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. While there, she took pride in her beautiful display gardens and in developing a wonderful corps of volunteers. Beth lectured on gardening and perennials throughout the Hudson Valley and enjoyed judging horticulture at the Dutchess County Fair every year. More recently, Beth had been part owner of a local antiques business before becoming deputy town clerk in the town of Stanford.Beth was a longtime member of the Stanford Conservation Advisory Commission, serving for more than 15 years. Following her father’s passion, she joined the Stanford Fire Company and Rescue Squad. She loved interior firefighting and boasted about being the first female line officer in the company.Beth is survived by her husband, Steve, and their three long- haired dachshunds, Baxter, Casey and Lily, and their two cats, Willow and Maya; a brother, Carl Schroeder and his wife, Kimberly, and their two sons; her father-in-law, James Ashton and his wife, Helen; her brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law and their families; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.Beth will be missed by many who loved her. She was a very loving, nonjudgmental, strong woman who loved a simple life at home with her family and her garden. Her music will be missed by many. In her words:Speak to me of good timesI don’t want to hear you crying so,For a friend may walk away now,You are Glorybound, You are Glorybound.A memorial service was held July 30, the Rev. Douglas Fischer officiating. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.Memorial donations may be made to the Stanford Fire Company, PO Box 437, Stanfordville, NY 12581, or the Hudson Valley Folk Guild, PO Box F, Poughkeepsie, NY 12602.Arrangements are under the care of the Peck and Peck Funeral Home in Pine Plains. To send an online condolence, go to peckandpeck.net.