Mary Jane Rule Ascher   Born: May 6, 1931  Died: October 17, 2013

Knoxville resident Mary Jane Rule Ascher, 82, died early Thursday morning, October 17, 2013, in her home in Farragut, Tenn.
Friends will be received Sunday, October 20, at First Baptist Church, Concord, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm, followed by a graveside service at 4:00 pm. Burial will take place at Pleasant Forest Cemetery on Concord Road.
A proud native of Knoxville and lifetime supporter of the Tennessee Volunteers, Mary Jane was born on May 6, 1931, to Blanche and Fred Rule, Sr.
Mary Jane went to Central High School and graduated in 1949. After high school, she took a job at the Baptist Bookstore in Knoxville where she ultimately met the man with whom she would spend the next 60 years – husband John Phillip Ascher, Jr., who preceded her in death in 2011.
Mary Jane loved Jesus with all her heart, and the Holy Spirit was evident in everything she did. From her ability to laugh at life's foibles to managing to keep the peace when difficult personalities were around, Mary Jane loved life and lived it to its fullest. She would literally light up a room just by entering. As many of her fellow Bridge players can attest, there are few people more compassionate – or competitive – in playing Bridge. She spent the better part of the past two decades raking up points and participating in as many tournaments as possible.
She worked hard too. During the lean years of the 1970s she rolled up her sleeves and began working outside the home to help pay the bills in those difficult economic times. Starting as a cafeteria server in restaurants and later Shannondale Retirement Center, ultimately she became the voice of Shannondale by taking over the main reception area until she retired in 1983.
Mary Jane leaves behind four children – Vicki Marie Doyle, Valerie Lynn Raby, Katherine Phyllis Harralson and Frederick Charles Ascher. She also leaves eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
The family asks for donations in lieu of flowers in memory Mrs. Ascher to the Homebound Ministry at First Baptist Church, Concord, 11704 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934.
Services under the direction of Highland Memorial Parks Funerals and Cremations. 5315-Kingston Pike Knoxville TN 37919 (865)588-0567. Leave condolences at www.highlandmemorilaparks.com