Sara Elizabeth Gaines Ashby passed away on May 4, 2026, following an overwhelming severe complication of her valiant heroic fight against cancer of the pancreas. Her death leaves a deep hole in the hearts of her family, her children and especially her loving partner and friend Dr. Mike Ashby.
Sara was born in Huntsville, Alabama on June 14, 1951, to Silas Buford and Nannie Jordan Gaines. As this date later became flag day her father used to tell her that all the flags on display were in honor of her birthday. Soon after her birth the family moved to Hazel Green, where Sara attended elementary school graduating from Hazel Green High School in 1969. She had a passionate desire to become a nurse and despite many challenges she achieved her goal obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in nursing from Jacksonville State University. She also obtained intensive care nursing certification. After working at Huntsville Hospital, she later transferred to Lincoln County Hospital to be better able to help her mother, as her father had recently passed away.
At Lincoln County Hospital she met a young bachelor physician Dr. Mike Ashby who fell in love with her immediately. After courtship they became engaged in 1980 and married on April 25, 1981. Both passionate about wanting children and many ups and downs, she gave birth on July 11, 1989, to beautiful twins, Samuel Ashby, III and Elizabeth Alexandra Ashby who became the center and love of the life of their mother and father. Sara later worked at Skyline Hospital in Nashville and for Elk Valley Home Health before retiring from nursing.
Sara loved to sew and she loved making children’s clothes. Sara made many beautiful dresses, outfits and other items which she delighted in giving to friends and family. Christening gowns made for Samuel and Elizabeth are wonderful works of art and have been on display as examples of expert sewing. Sara was the member of a large family of 4 sisters and 1 brother, and she loved being with them at her mother’s house in Hazel Green. Sara was a devoted Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church of Huntsville when she and Mike were married. After moving to Fayetteville, she became a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville and Fayetteville First Baptist Church.
Sara is survived by her son, Samuel Ashby, III (Laura) and daughter, Elizabeth Alexandra Ashby; granddaughter, Wren Alexandra Ashby; her loving partner and forever friend Dr. S. Michael Ashby. She is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Margaret Hendrick of Huntsville and Mrs. Nancy Gaines Holzgenecht of Missouri; and numerous nephews and nieces. Her most special survivor is her cat, Bella.
Sara was a loving, sweet, conscientious, giving and caring soul—a person beautiful in mind, spirit and body, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A private family graveside service will be held at the Gaines family burial plot at Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama.
We at Higgins Funeral Home are privileged to offer comfort, care, and support to the family of Sara Elizabeth Gaines Ashby.
So sorry for your loss, i remember visiting Aun Nannie and uncle Buford as Sarah was growing up with my mother Mildred Edwards
I had the privilege of working with Sara during her nursing career. She was a very sweet lady. I express my sincere sympathy to her children, Mike and all her family. Prayer for comfort for you during this difficult time.
Mike and family. I am so sorry to learn of Sara’s passing. I remember her as being a very sweet , loving lady. It does not seem possible that those twins now have children of their own. Seems like yesterday when they were born. U are all in my prayers
I will miss our long telephone conversations. Hope to see you soon in that beautiful heavenly place with the rest of our family. Sara and I are cousins. Her father and my grandfather were brothers. My heart goes out to Mike and the twins, Samuel and Elizabeth. Sara was so proud of her twins and her grandbaby.
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Sara. She was a beautiful person and will be missed.
Sorry to hear of Sara passing. She was a sweet lady.
My Mom Grace Crawford was given her first large print Bible by mrs. ASHBY IN 1975
I WONDER IF IT MAY HAVE BEEN A RELATIVE.
Mike and family,
Words can’t assuage the pain of the lost. However, we have to let you know that we grieve for all of you. So sorry for the loss of Sara.
We are hear for you just like you’ve always been there for my mother Sara.
Sympathies and prayers for you all. She may be gone, but never forgotten.
Farewell my friend and former classmates. I will miss talking to you!