Gay Ashforth Wilson, 78, passed away in her sleep on January 18, 2019, at the long-time family home in Montecito she shared with her husband John Kerr Wilson.
Anne Gay Ashforth, the third daughter of Albert B. Ashforth, Jr. and Mabel Rathbun, was born in New York City on April 17, 1940. Walter Winchell, well-known newspaper and radio commentator announced her birth. So, all of New York City and environs were alerted to her arrival. Gay’s early years were spent on the family farm, Butternut Farm in Millbrook, New York, a well-known fox hunting community. Gay had two older sisters, Mab and Diana.
During WWII her father, a naval officer, was assigned to the Torpedo Station in Newport, Rhode Island. There, Gay and her older sister Diana attended St. Michael’s School. Since there was gas rationing for the duration, Gay’s mother purchased a reliable pinto gelding named Tony. Those years he was driven many miles, to the grocery store, parties and the lovely Newport beaches. At the beach he would be unharnessed and Gay, to her delight, would ride him into the ocean.
When her parents were divorced, Gay and her sister Diana moved to Harvest Hill in Goleta to join their mother who had remarried David Wells. In the preceding years they welcomed the birth of their brother Rory Wells. The children attended Laguna Blanca school. Gay and her sister Diana spent many happy hours riding horses in the foothills above their ranch; and swimming at the beach in Goleta. Upon graduating from Laguna Blanca Gay traveled to Florence, Italy for a year where she studied art at Villa Mercedes. On return to the US she located in Boulder, CO. In 1960 she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega while attending the University of Colorado. While in Colorado she married and gave birth to Kyle and Erica. In 1966 her marriage having ended, she and the children moved to Santa Barbara to be with family. There she met and married John (Jack) Kerr Wilson.
Gay was very involved in local events and organizations. She was especially proud of her participation and contributions as a member of the Board and past president of the Lobero Theater, a great love of hers. Gay was also involved with the Junior League.
Active in community affairs she became the campaign manager for several local politicians. Gay was a familiar face in the community she loved and among those who made our community thrive.
Gay was preceded in death by her mother Mabel Wells, her father Albert Ashforth, Jr., Step-father David Wells, sister Mab Goldman and son Kyle Somes. She is survived by her sister Diana Ashforth Chase (Alston), brother Rory Wells (Karen), husband Jack Wilson, daughter Erica Ashforth, sons Andrew Wilson, Matthew Wilson (Tracy), grandchildren Alec Papazian (Brooks), Ben Phillips (Jenna), Melissa Rabinoff, Tyler Wilson, Megan Wilson, Dylan Wilson, Luke Wilson, Alyssa Wilson, Max Somes and yet to be born Great Granddaughter Johanna Phillips.
Services will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2:30 at Mt. Carmel Church, Montecito.
