Connie E. Ashenfelter-Thiele's Obituary
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
What’s your fondest memory of Connie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Connie?
Share a story where Connie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Connie you’ll never forget.
How did Connie make you smile?
