Elma Grimes Ash's Obituary
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.
What’s your fondest memory of Elma?
What’s a lesson you learned from Elma?
Share a story where Elma's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elma you’ll never forget.
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