Elmer Ashley, 90, of Vanderbilt, Michigan passed away in the loving arms of his wife at Aspen Ridge Retirement Village in Gaylord, Michigan on July 18, 2019.
Elmer was born in Cheboygan, Michigan on March 14, 1929, to Warren and Grace (Sackrider) Ashley. He was raised and spent his entire life in Vanderbilt and Gaylord. On March 20, 1947, he married Adeline Guerin. Together they raised four children; Duane, Gary, Douglas, and Sandra.
He worked for the state of Michigan as a maintenance man at the Alpine Center in Gaylord and the Oden Fish Hatchery, retiring in 1984.
In his free time, Elmer cherished his travels with Adeline, and they visited 46 states during their life together. They enjoyed making it to Alaska a decade ago as their final big trip, only the New England states eluded them. He also enjoyed deer and small game hunting, and for over 40 years his annual fishing trip to Canada with his friends, sons, brother, nephews, and grandsons. He was an avid gardener, loved all forms of card games, and bowling on Monday and Friday night leagues at the Gaylord Bowling Center for decades.
Elmer is survived by his wife, Adeline, children Duane (Toni) Ashley of Vanderbilt, Gary (Lynne) Ashley of Midland, son-in-law, Robert Rolinski, of Dundee, and daughter-in-law, Jan (Mike) Norton of Gaylord. Also surviving are grandchildren Vanessa (Shawn) Hutton, Richard (Becky) Ashley, Shawn (Julie) Ashley, Holly (Randy) Wilt, Heather (Greg) Green, Keetah Frank, Kristie (Ben Ellison) Rolinski, Kari (Philip) Miles, Angela Deranleau, Tammie (Jason) Boadway, Gary (Stephanie) Ashley, Laura (Dustin) Mapes, Amy (Adam) Peil; and thirty-one great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by sons Roger and Douglas, daughter Sandra; brother, Harland Congdon; sister-in-law, Violet Congdon; grandson, Troy; and daughter-in-law, Frances.
A celebration of Elmer’s life will be held at the Vanderbilt Community Church on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will occur at Nelson Funeral Home in Gaylord, on Tuesday, July 23, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and at 1:00 p.m. prior to the funeral on Wednesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be sent to the American Cancer Society or the National Parkinson’s Foundation, in his honor, through Nelson Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, Michigan 49734.
15 comments on “Elmer Ashley”
I am so sad for everyone’s loss. My deepest sympathies. Elmer has his wings now. Adeline- please know that he will be well fed because Mom, Willy and Linda will take care of him until you join him one day. I hope all can find comfort and peace in knowing he is no longer suffering. I’m so sorry I can’t be there.
All my love. Pam (Willy’s wife)
So sorry for your loss. Elmer was a great man. He sure will be missed. Adeline and the whole family are in my thoughts and prayers . R I P. Elmer.
So very sorry for your loss Duane and Toni. May he Rest In Peace. Prayers for your mom and all, God Bless.
A fine man to know , but we all know he will make a place for us at the bowling alley in heaven !!! Another great one God has called home for his work on earth is Done !!!!
To all of the Ashley families; we are sorry for your loss. Elmer will be missed.
Mike & Pat Kowatch
To the Ashley family, we are saddened to hear of Elmer’s passing. We loved running into them and laughing as we reminisced. I have such fond memories of times spent with them, hanging out at their house with Sandy.
Marv and Mary Evans
I am sorry for your loss. I am glad I got to see you, Adeline, at Aspen Ridge. May you find peace knowing that he is in a better place and that you will see him again.
Adeline and Family,
Sending my sympathy to you and your family. I loved waiting on you and Elmer at Glen”s. He was a sweetheart. I remember when I found out that you guys knew Rowan Jewell and we exchanged stories about Elmer and Rowan. Heaven received another beautiful angel. Rest in peace my handsome angel.
Peggy Borst-Botens
Duane. Sorry for your loss. He was always a great man to me.
Aunt Adeline, Thinking of you on a difficult day to say good by to someone you have known for a lifetime.
To the rest of the family, Toni and Duane, sorry I couldn’t make it up north. My thoughts are with you all today.
To the Ashley family, I am saddened to hear of Elmer’s passing. R.I.P. Elmer
Ashley Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of great loss. Elmer was a great person and will be missed!
He has joined Roger, Doug, and Sandra in heaven where we will all meet again!
Vince
Aunt Adeline miss you so much and so sorry for your loss uncle Elmer was a great man last night I had a dream of him hugging me. you know how he hugged, and loved kids well he hugged me so tight and so long like slways. it woke me up from a hard sleep.hes with us all and he loves you so much.
Aunt Adeline so sorry for your loss uncle Elmer was a great man last night I had a dream of him hugging me. you know how he hugged, and loved kids well he hugged me so tight and so long like slways. it woke me up from a hard sleep.hes with us all and he loves you so much.
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and yours, Adeline on the loss of Elmer. Just remember all the good times you all have had together over the years, It will help to bring comfort to you. Cousin Erma O’Rourke.