Barbara "Yostie" Ashley

Hilton Head - Barbara "Yostie" Ashley, 78, of Hilton Head Island, died Thursday, December 20, 2012 at her daughter's home in Eutawville, South Carolina. A memorial service will be held privately by the family at a later date. Ms. Ashley was a graduate of Florida State University and a member of the Tri Delta Sorority. She received her Master's degree from the University of South Carolina. She was an educational entertainment specialist in drama, having taught all levels from kindergarten through college. While residing in Columbia, she was a Reading Consultant with The State Department of Education. Ms. Ashley authored several monographs on motivational teaching ideas as well as published a video funded by the South Carolina Arts Commission. She was a professional puppeteer/storyteller and an Artist in Residence throughout the Southeast with the South Carolina Storytelling Network and the Back Porch Storytellers. In addition, she actively participated in The South Carolina International Reading Association. While on Hilton Head Island she spent most of her time bringing innovative approaches to children's literature through puppetry. Her love was to perform at Coligny Plaza in Hilton Head Island. Surviving are her daughters Demi Belanger (Mike) of Eutawville, South Carolina; Wynters Ashley of Houston, Texas and Irie Vance(Buddy)of Gulf Breeze, Florida; brothers Bill Yost of Atlanta, Georgia and Richard Yost of Pensacola, Florida; grandchildren, Shane Belanger of Eutawville, South Carolina; Ashton Vance of Orlando Florida; Patrick Vance of Gulf Breeze, Florida and Joey and Weathers Graham of Houston, Texas. Memorials may be made to South Carolina Arts Commission, 1026 Sumter Street #200, Columbia, South Carolina 29201.