Elma Grimes Ash

Elma Grimes Rogerson Ash, 92, passed away peacefully at her home in Frisco, Texas, on Sunday, June 25, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. The youngest of four children, Elma was born on November 19,1930, in Longview to Hiram Alexander Grimes and Gladys Opal Fisher Grimes. She graduated from Longview High School with the class of 1947 and was the first Homecoming Queen of LHS. Elma attended Texas State College for Women (now TWU) in Denton; while attending TSCW she eloped with her high school sweetheart, Johnny Rogerson. They were married for 25 years and were blessed with one daughter. Elma was the descendant of a pioneering East Texas family. Her mother's family settled in Upshur County in the 1870s and her father's family, the Hills, immigrated to Harrison County, Texas, from Tennessee in 1835. They were among the patriots to lend their support at the Battle of San Jacinto. Her strong roots led her to a love of genealogy and Elma was a member in the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She was a former member of the Gregg County Genealogy Society, the East Texas History Club, and a volunteer at the Gregg County Historical Museum for several years. Elma also enjoyed travel and felt a special connection to Scotland. She worked in publishing for over 30 years; working in San Angelo for Newsfoto, and in Dallas for News Texan and Area Wide Directory Co, where she retired in 1994. After retirement she devoted her time and energies to helping raise her granddaughter, Rachel, who was the light of her life. In 2005, Elma married James Richard Ash and they moved back to their hometown of Longview. They attended First Baptist Church in Longview. After Richard’s death in 2014, Elma returned to Dallas. Elma was a wonderful and loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She is survived by her daughter, Joan Rogerson of Frisco, and granddaughter, Rachel Rogerson, of Dallas; step- daughter, K K Ash, of Longview as well numerous beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Hiram and Gladys Grimes; sisters Marie Pate and Dotty Porter Copeland; and brother John L Grimes. Burial will be at Gum Springs Cemetery in Longview, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 1, 2023, in the Ford Chapel of First Baptist Church in Longview with Dr Jim Simmons officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Gregg County Historical Museum, or charity of your choice.

Elma Grimes Ash

November 19, 1930 - June 25, 2023