Connie E. Ashenfelter-Thiele

Connie E. (Billups) Ashenfelter-Thiele, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at the age of 77. Connie was born on April 23, 1948, in Wichita Kansas and was the middle child of the late Rodney and Naomi (McKenzie) Billups. Connie had a unique bond with her Brothers Darrell and Dennis. She cherished time spent with them and carried love and loyalty to them throughout her life. On February 18, 1967, Connie united in marriage to Robert W Ashenfelter, at Faith Baptist Church in Wichita, Kansas, out of that union they raised three children—Darin, Mark, and Jill. After Robert’s passing in 1995 Connie married Dale Thiele in 1998. Connie worked many jobs during her life starting as a bookkeeper at EG Stevens candy warehouse. After moving to Longton, she was employed at Emerson Electric until its closing in 1997. At the same time Connie selflessly worked evenings at H&R Block as providing for her family was a priority to her. Determined to continue growing, she returned to school and earned her associate degree in business administration from Colby Community College. Over the years, she worked as an accountant in various roles before retiring. Retirement allowed her to fully embrace her favorite role — Grandmother. Whether for weeks or months at a time, she never missed an opportunity to spend time with the grandchildren gladly and lovingly stepping in for “babysitting duty,” pouring her heart into her grandchildren. Her true calling was being a Grandmother, it was a role she was truly born for. Embracing it with joy, pride, and devotion she spent every waking moment looking for ways to spend more time with her grandkids. Her remarkable ability to make her grandchildren feel uniquely seen, valued, and unconditionally loved is a memory they all share. One of Connie’s favorite pastimes was family board game times. She spent hours forcing her family to endure watching endless Hallmark Channel movies. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering strength that touched the lives of all who knew her. Throughout her life, Connie was known for her gentle wisdom, her infectious laughter, and her devotion to family and friends. Connie cherished her role as a mother and grandmother, always offering encouragement, support, and a listening ear. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her memory will continue to inspire acts of compassion and kindness among those she held dear. Connie is survived by her spouse, Irvin D. Thiele, brothers, Darrel (Arlene) Billups and Dennis (the late Nancy) Billups; sister in law Betty (the late Wayne) Ashenfelter, Peggy Llewellyn, sister-in-law Helen Strait, brother-in-law Lynn (Deb)Thiele, Children-Darin (Alyssia) Ashenfelter, Mark (Alisa) Ashenfelter, and D. Jill (Michael) Blackburn; step- children Wendy Brady, Rachel Thiele, Dacia Thiele, Achsah Thiele and Caleb Thiele, 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren. 13 step-grandchildren, and 6 step-grandchildren And numerous Nephews and Nieces which she cared and loved deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Robert “Bob” Ashenfelter, with whom she shared 28 years of marriage until his passing in 1995; her sister-in-law, Nancy Billups; brother-in-law, Wayne Ashenfelter, sister-in-law Sandra Simpson and granddaughter Karaline Milliken. Funeral services celebrating Connie’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, visitation at 10:00 AM with funeral following at 11:00 AM, Longton Baptist Church on Kansas Avenue in Longton, Kansas. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Longton Cemetery. Connie’s legacy of love, resilience, faith, and joy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Longton Kansas Baptist Church Youth Group

Connie E. Ashenfelter-Thiele

April 23, 1948 - September 16, 2025