Press Releases | Jul, 14 2014
The LBJ Presidential Library is saddened by the passing of Ashton Glassell Gonella, who was a personal secretary to Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson for many years. A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Ashton became interested in politics and was president of the League of Women Voters. Later, she became one of two personal secretaries to then U.S. Senate Majority Leader, Lyndon B. Johnson (D-TX) and moved to Washington D.C. in 1957. She remained part of LBJ's staff until 1962 when she received an appointment from President John F. Kennedy to be the director of National Activities for the Office of Emergency Planning (forerunner of FEMA).
Following the assassination of President Kennedy, she returned to the White House to join the staff of First Lady Bird Johnson, as her personal secretary. Ashton traveled extensively with Mrs. Johnson, and coordinated personal, family, and social activities.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16 at Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church.
