Trending
1947-2023
NORTH LIMA -- Surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren, Michael "Mike" L. Ashby Sr. went to be with his Lord and Saviour, Sunday afternoon, Dec. 17, 2023.
Mike was born Jan. 28, 1947, in New Castle, Indiana, and raised in Port Clinton, Ohio, the oldest son of the late Harold and Barbara (Adams) Ashby.
After high school, Mike worked several years with the Conservation Center planting new trees after forest fires in the San Bernardino Mountains in California. In 1969 he attended Salem Bible College where he ended up meeting his future father-in-law and was baptized in the Conservative Mennonite faith. He then worked for Youngstown State University for 40 years, starting out as a groundskeeper and moving through various job titles until his retirement. Upon retirement Mike enjoyed writing songs, tending to his chickens and spending time with his grandchildren. "Papaw" was known to keep a pocket full of peppermints for the grandchildren.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years Rachel (Burford); three sons, Michael Jr., Christian and Daniel; two daughters Julia and Tara; 12 grandchildren, Analise, Alaina, Angeliq, Jada, Janesia, Joshua, Jeremiah, Jhon, Jaliyah, Natalya, Elliana and Isabella; one great-grandchild, Marcus. He also leaves behind two brothers, Milton and Edward, and two sisters, Sharron and Debbie.
Preceding him in death are parents Harold and Barbara (Adams), beloved in-laws, Eugene and Eileen Burford, and twin grandsons Jabez and Jozef.
Friends will be received Dec. 30 from 9 to 11 a.m. with funeral to follow at 11 a.m. at the Hartville Conservative Mennonite Church, 10547 Market Ave N., Uniontown, OH 44685, with graveside service to follow at King Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christian Aid Ministries.org. To share a memory or photo of Mike please visit us at www.schneebergerfuneral.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to: Schneeberger Funeral Home 2222 Fulton Road Northwest Canton, Ohio 44709 (330-456-8237).
12/28/23