Lee Ann (Ashton) Hovanetz

Gracing this world on July 12, 1947 in St. Paul, MN, Lee was the daughter of George and Luella (Bier) Ashton. Lee had an older - by a minute! - twin sister Lynne and three younger brothers, Dave, Doug and Kim. The family of seven grew up on Edward Street in Maplewood overlooking Lake Phalen. Lee remained close to her siblings and their spouses throughout her adult life.

Lee met John Andrew Hovanetz, Jr. during Homecoming weekend at St. Cloud State in the fall of 1967. Lee caught John’s eye while cheering on a gals’ flag football game near Stewart Hall where she was sidelined with a broken leg – which she sustained in a previous game. John’s friends ribbed him about dating the girl in the cast. Later that evening Lee was working on the parade float with her Alpha Phi sisters at Sig Tau house where John lived. He made his introduction by asking if he could sign her cast – which he did - but on the bottom of her foot making it unseeable to her. He then confirmed with Lee that she was going to the homecoming game and asked to meet up afterwards – she didn’t realize he was a star football player!

On June 25, 1970, Lee married John. They spent the first five years of marriage establishing their teaching careers, building a house in Brooklyn Park, and saving money before welcoming Christy and Cory into the family. Lee was a committed wife and empathetic mom. Family always came first.

Lee dedicated 30+ years to teaching third grade in room 3LH at Riverview Elementary in the Anoka-Hennepin School District, retiring at age 55.

Adventurous and amenable describes Lee’s life philosophy. She was up for anything, all you had to do was ask… rollerblading, skydiving, bungy jumping, parasailing, skiing, zip lining, hiking, hang gliding, a walk, road trip, plane trip, join me on a work trip, kayaking, horseback riding, shopping, house painting, yard work, theatre, movie, TPing a house, sewing project, make cookies, nachos, just veg? The answer was always “Sure, let’s do it!” She was always in motion and trying new things – she was FUN!

In February 2015, Lee’s uterine cancer diagnosis rocked our world. The surgery, chemo treatments and then onset of dementia robbed her of the verve which we accustomed. While her body battled cancer and won, her mind deteriorated. For the last 11 years, John was Lee’s caregiver, allowing her to remain in the home she built with him. His patience, commitment, and love for her was obvious and unequaled.

Lee is forever loved and will be deeply missed by her husband John; daughter Christy (Steve); son Cory (Dani) and grandchildren Ava, Izzy, Ashton, Emmy; womb mate Lynne (Roger) Funk of Stillwater; Dave (Carol) Ashton of White Bear Lake; Doug (Sue) Ashton of Oakdale; Kim (Joan) Ashton of Racine, WI; Sister-in-law Barbara (Jerry) Gray of Prior Lake; and other loving friends and relatives.

On June 16, 2026, a visitation will be at 1:00 pm with a service at 2:30 pm at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home at 34 2nd St NE, Osseo, MN 55369. Following the service all are invited to a reception to eat food and share memories at 7326 Willow Ln., Brooklyn Park, MN 55444.

A final wish from our family to you, in lieu of memorials or flowers, please keep Lee’s spirit alive by treating someone you care about to a meal or an adventure.