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OBITUARY: Beloved matriarch of the Ashjian family, passed away on October 31, 2002, at the age of 88. She was born Florence Melikian, to the late Aram and Koharig Melikian, pioneer members of the Armenian Community of Fresno. Aram Melikian was a respected valley farming leader. Her family were pillars of the First Armenian Presbyterian Church of Fresno. Florence's Christian upbringing was the foundation which sustained her during her entire life. Florence graduated from Kerman High School, later to marry John M. Ashjian, a Deputy Fresno County Clerk, who later became Fresno County Chief Probation Officer. Mr. Ashjian's reputation for his work with the youth of Fresno County is legendary. His untimely death at the age of 44, in 1955, left a void not only in his young family but also the community as a whole. In the early 1970's his memory was honored with the dedication of Fresno County's Juvenile Detention facility on Ventura Avenue in his name. Florence never remarried, but devoted her life to raising her four children and caring for her elderly parents until their deaths. The former Ashjian home on the corner of Indianapolis and Del Mar Avenues was always open to her children's friends. It appeared that her font lawn was more of an athletic field and the driveway a car lot by the many friends of the popular Ashjian children, who were made so welcome by Florence. She was a second mother to all of them. Florence was a jewel. She was loved by all, whether it be the Clerks at the former Continental Market, the gas station attendants, or her fellow members of the Fidelis Society of First Armenian Presbyterian Church, and her cherished neighbors. The antics of her three boys could always be overlooked by an assurance of an ever gracious Florence, and that beautiful smile. As her children grew older and married, their spouses were so accepted and loved by Florence. She was always supportive of her children's business ventures and was there when they needed her. The absence of a Dad was never a disadvantage, as Florence made sure she was there for all of life's challenges. In the more recent years, due to her failing health, Florence had been cared by her children in their homes. In addition to her parents and husband, Florence was preceded in death by her brothers, Leo Melikian, Vaughn Melikian and Paul Melikian; her several cousins, including her very close cousin and confidant, Madeline Moradian Markarian; and by a grandson, Zachary Ashjian. Florence is survived by her children, Terry Ashjian and his wife Dawna of Las Vegas, Jim Ashjian and his wife Terran, and Lee Ashjian and his wife Debbie, and Kathi Andersen and her husband Flindt, all of Fresno. She is the beloved "MiMi" to 17 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Also surviving are her sisters-in-law, Margaret Melikian and Marian Melikian; her cousins Raquel Normart, Ray Melikian and Marilyn Hodge; her many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Funeral Services in Florence's memory will be held at the First Armenian Presbyterian Church of Fresno, on Wednesday, November 6, 2002, at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Belmont Memorial Park. Remembrances may be made to the Hospice of St. Agnes Medical Center.