Ronald Neely Ashley

Ronald Neely Ashley, a strong believer in the Almighty God, met his Heavenly Father on May 8, 2022, only 17 days before his 80th birthday. After a long 26-year struggle with cancer, he passed peacefully during a procedure that may have helped alleviate the effects of his latest cancer-related fight with aspiration pneumonia.

Ron was the only child of the late Roscoe Neely Ashley and Lucie Rivers Carpenter-Ashley. Ron’s life was amazingly filled with the pursuit of various experiences and knowledge. One might dare to say he was a jack of all trades and a master of many. His passions span many topics and skillsets. He was a Lt. in US Army, a practitioner of martial arts, a talented lawyer, a dedicated police reservist, a detailed pencil artist and painter, a bronze sculptor, a furniture building carpenter, car or hot rod enthusiast/mechanic, and an avid reader of history. Additionally, prior to cancer taking his beautiful voice, we would always hear him singing his favorite 50s music. Of all his hobbies, he was especially passionate about our rights as US citizens, especially our 2nd Amendment rights, and US historical wars. He also participated in very memorable Civil War and Indian reenactments (some of which he was joined by his daughter and youngest son).

Ron is survived by his wife of 51 years, the love of his life, Kathy Upton Ashley, loving father of Lance Alan Ashley, Kristi Leigh Ashley-Angel (Jacob), Justin Wayne Ashley (Elizabeth), grandfather of Jaydin Rivers Angel and Jackson Neely Ashley. Ron was always thankful for the blessing of a great family. They were his dearest delight!

Ron will be missed by his cherished family and lifelong friends never forgotten.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA