Ralph Ashby 1900-1963

ASHBY

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 12/28/2007 at 19:05:32

Emmetsburg Reporter; Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa; Tuesday, February 26, 1963

R. W. Ashby Services Held at First Methodist

Funeral services for Ralph W. Ashby, 63, of Emmetsburg, County Extension Director for Palo Alto County, were held Saturday, February 23, at 2 p.m. at the first Methodist church with the Reverend Chester L. Guinn officiating.

Burial was an Evergreen cemetery with Ellsworth – Beiter’s in charge. Masonic rites were conducted at the funeral home Friday evening by members of Ernest Lodge No. 399 A.F. and A.M.

Mr. Ashby died at Palo Alto Memorial Hospital February 20 of a heart attack.

Born in Wellman February 18, 1900, he was the son of Ralph M. and Mary E. Ashby. He graduated from Wellman high school and Iowa State University, Ames, where he was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity. He was a veteran of World War I. The Ashby's lived in Marengo before coming to Emmetsburg in October 1938. Mr. Ashby was a member of the Masonic Lodge here, the American Legion and first Methodist church.

Survivors include his wife, Irene, and four children: Ralph W. Jr. of Chicago, Illinois, James D. of Garner, John H. of Iowa City and Robert at home. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, two sisters and four brothers: Letha Ashby, Marian Ashby and Percy Ashby of Wellman, Charles Ashby of Washington, James Ashby of Lincoln, Nebraska and Eben Ashby of Chicago, Illinois.

Honorary pallbearers were John G. Kehr, C. E. Robbins, Eugene Miller, Walter High, Arthur Smith and Louis Papadakes. Active pallbearers were Lawrence Hough, Walter Needham, Walter Baumunk, John D. Hall, J. A. Scott and Robert Darrah.

During the services Keith Williams sang "In the Garden" and "Lord's Prayer". He was accompanied by Mrs. Keith Williams, organist.

Mr. Ashby won many honors and made numerous friends during his years as County Extension Director in Palo Alto County and will long be remembered by his many friends here.