William Ash Jr.

William R. Ash, Jr “Bill” passed away peacefully, early Friday morning, December 27, 2019 at 81 years after a two-year battle with cancer. Born in Covington, Kentucky May 5, 1938 to William R and Henrietta B (Gamm) Ash, the oldest of 5 children; graduated from Covington Catholic High School, KY in 1956. Later that year, married Rosalie “Rose” (Gongola) on December 15.

Together, they had a family of five sons and three daughters. In 1971, they moved to Delaware, OH. Bill enjoyed raising his family and various farm animals over the years, until he settled on raising Labrador Retrievers and established Ashway Labradors in 1986. He was a zealous dog trainer and excellent sportsman, including hunt trials and judging hunt tests; he was also an avid golfer.

Bill was very humorous, friendly and an enthusiastic storyteller. He was a loyal and kind friend, a generous and loving father, an eternal supervisor and a bit of a perfectionist. He was a devoted and beloved husband, and well-loved by family and friends.

Bill is preceded in death by his two children, Jennifer and Timothy. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rose Ash, his siblings: Robert H, Ronald J, Marietta M O’Kelly, Michael H; his children: William R III (Kathy Bay), Mary Lorraine (Steve Kaple), Kenneth J (Robin Forbes), Charles W (Jane Shew), Robert A, and Corinna M Ash; his 18 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life gathering for friends and family on January 11, 2020 1:00-4:00pm at Marion Room of All Occasions Catering & Banquet Facility, 6989 Waldo-Delaware Road, Waldo, OH 43356.

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