Ralph J. Ashton

Ralph J. Ashton, 84, of Monroe, died Wednesday, June 23, 2004, at Mt. Pleasant Retirement Village. He was born and raised on a farm in Monroe now known as Bridle Creek, on April 17, 1920 to parents Oliver and Tina (Vancamp) Ashton.

Ralph graduated from Monroe High School in 1938 and earned his bachelor degree from Miami University. He played on Monroe High School´s first football team and was known for his talent in all sports. He set numerous records in many sports at Monroe. In recent years, he was an avid golfer.

Ralph was one of the first men drafted into the Army from Monroe for World War II. He returned to Monroe and was a teacher, football coach, and athletic director at Monroe High School for 4 years. He worked for the next 34 years as manager of manufacturing engineering for various companies. Ralph loved his church, Monroe Presbyterian Church, and served as an elder.

Mr. Ashton is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lydia Marie (Thornbery) Ashton; one daughter, Susan Marie Ashton of San Francisco, CA; one son, Rick (Marcia) Ashton of Denver, CO; grandsons Jonathan (Natallie) Ashton and David Ashton; a sister, Bernice Griffith of Cincinnati, OH; and numerous nieces and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers; and 4 sisters.

Funeral Service will be held Saturday, June 26, 2004 at 11:00 AM at Monroe Presbyterian Church, 57 W. Elm St, Monroe, with Pastor Patrick Warren, Chaplain Stan Gockel, and Reverend Robert Clark officiating. Visitation will be Friday, from 6-8 PM at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd. at Bonita Dr., Middletown. Interment will be at North Monroe Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Monroe Presbyterian Church, 57 W. Elm Street, Monroe, OH 45050.

Funeral Home:
Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding
3805 Roosevelt Blvd.
Middletown, OH
US 45044