Beverly Jean Townsend (Ashbaugh), 80, of Harrisville, passed away Friday, April 23, 2021.

Beverly was born and raised in Salina, Pa., and was the daughter of Blair and Frances Ashbaugh.

She was a 1958 graduate of Bell-Avon High School in Salina. Her first job as a young woman was sewing at Steiner’s manufacturing in Saltsburg, Pa. She went on to have many jobs, including working in the cafeteria at Apollo-Ridge High School, Penn Needle in Apollo, Citizens General Hospital in New Kensington and Respironics in Murrysville.

Beverly spent most of her life living in the Apollo area where she raised her two children, Brian Townsend and Melissa (Townsend) Byer. Beverly, through the years enjoyed all sorts of hobbies like sewing (which her grandmother Wilda Ashbaugh (Ramsey) taught her), crocheting and growing plants.

After raising her children, Beverly’s life went on to include Arthur Lutz and the Lutz family, of West Sunbury, who loved her dearly and will deeply miss her. She loved music and loved to dance and go to dances. She met Henry Russell of Harrisville, at one such dance and he had been her partner on and off the dance floor for the last 10 years. She was also deeply loved by the Russell family and will be so very missed.

Beverly knew the importance of love. The incredible healing power of a hug, the life-changing power of simple kindness. My hope for everyone’s life that she touched is that you remember that light, that healing hug she gave, that life changing kindness, so that every time you give a hug or a smile, there is a little bit of her in it. That was the richness that she gave to the world, one seemingly small kind act at a time.

Beverly is survived by her daughter, Melissa (Townsend) Byer; and four grandchildren, Carisa (Townsend) Wallace, Daniel Townsend, Tyler Byer and Jack Byer.

Beverly will be laid to rest at Twin Valley Memorial Park in Delmont, Pa., along with her family that had preceded her in death, her son, Brian Townsend; father, Blair Ashbaugh; mother, Frances Ashbaugh; a sister, Sandra (Ashbaugh) Plahs; a sister, Linda Ashbaugh; and a brother, Randy Ashbaugh.

Townsend — Services were private for Beverly Jean Townsend (Ashbaugh), who died Friday, April 23, 2021.

William F. Young Funeral Home of West Sunbury handled arrangements.

If desired, online condolences can be sent to www.williamfyoungfh.com.