Barbara Colette Asay

Barbara “Colette” Asay, age 78, of Lafayette, Indiana passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, and returned to her loving Heavenley Father.

She was born on July 1, 1947, in Bloomington, Indiana to Russell and Marie East.

Colette graduated from Ellettsville High School in 1965 and worked at the Bloomington Fire Department while also working as a florist. It was during those years that she bought her first Ford Mustang. It was also around this time that she met her future husband at a church ice-skating activity, and won his heart by taking him for a drive in her Mustang. The two later married and built a life together.

Colette married Carlos Asay of Boswell, Indiana on April 15, 1972. Together they built their life and started their family in Lafayette, Indiana.

Alongside her husband, Colette helped build and operate their family business, Asay Motor Sales, for over 35 years. She worked faithfully beside him as the bookkeeper and assisted in countless ways.

Colette was a devoted wife and loving mother to 7 kids.

She is survived by her husband, Carlos Asay of Lafayette, Indiana, and their children, Jennifer (Daniel) Accinelli of Greenwood, Indiana; Jarrad (Kari) Asay of Warsaw, Indiana; Kevin (Michelle) Asay of Lafayette, Indiana; Monica (Joe) Marsh of Lafayette, Indiana; Morgan (Melissa) Asay of West Lafayette, Indiana; Katherine (Jared) Haupert of Wabash, Indiana; and Curtis (Shayla) Asay of Hudson, Ohio; along with their 27 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Marie East; her brothers, Melvin East and Martin “Marty” East; and her sister, Caridoyne East.

Colette had many interests that brought her joy throughout her life. She loved sewing and flower arranging, and she especially treasured watching her children and grandchildren play sports and perform. She enjoyed reading on her Kindle, spending time with her beloved dog Hondo, and gathering with her family whenever she could. A devoted and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she also found great peace and purpose in attending and serving in the temple.

Visitation and funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3430 East 450 South, Lafayette, Indiana 47909. The visitation will be held from 2:00 – 2:50 pm. The family will have 10 minutes of private time from 2:50 pm until time of the funeral service at 3:00. There will be a private family graveside service afterward.