Robbie Gay Ashbrook-Benzinger was born February 4th, 1956 to Barbara and Ray Ashbrook, during one of the worst blizzards in New Mexico. She was a ray of sunshine helping to melt the snow, as well as melting the hearts of all who met her.
Robbie was a happy child, and as a toddler wanted to be outside playing with all the animals. Being free to roam around the farm, she did as all toddlers did — she put everything in her mouth. As we soon discovered, that included chicken poop. Ray promptly built a fence around the yard. Was that to keep Robbie in, or to keep the chickens out?
Barbara sewed all of Robbie’s clothes. Robbie flatly refused to wear “anything with lace” because according to Robbie, “It’s too itchy!” That was one of the beginning signs of Robbie’s independence and stubbornness.
Robbie attended schools in Causey and Roswell, where she received her G.E.D. from Roswell High in 1974. After high school, she lived a short time in Albuquerque, Houston, and Detroit. Later, she lived in San Diego, CA from the spring of 1977 until June of 2003, when she returned to New Mexico with her only child, Kylie Ranae Katalinich.
Robbie’s greatest joy in life was Kylie. Robbie was devoted to Kylie in every way. She raised Kylie to have the strength and courage to become the vibrant, beautiful, talented, and loving woman she is today.
Robbie loved music and passed that love to Kylie, too. Robbie enjoyed cooking, camping, and spending time with friends.
Robbie and her fondness of the outdoors brought Robbie to a career of horticulture, where she was employed in the famed Balboa Park in San Diego. She retired from there after 20 years of dedicated service. After returning to Portales, she was employed by ENMU as a groundskeeper for almost four years. Illness required her to leave that position.
Robbie loved the Pacific Ocean breeze, the beautiful garden she worked in, and last but not least Kylie.
Robbie was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Neal Ashbrook. She is survived by her beloved daughter Kylie Ranae Katalinich and sister Janise Ranae Ashbrook-Langston, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many good friends.
A memorial service will be located in Buchanan Hall in ENMU’s Music Building in Portales at 12 o’clock, Saturday, February 28th; and a reception will follow, located at Portales’ Memorial Building shortly after the memorial.
Genesis 1:29 – Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.”
Arrangements are under the direction of Wheeler Mortuary of Portales. Condolences can be made at wheelermortuary.net
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