Michael L. Ashby Sr. 1947-2023

Mike was born Jan. 28, 1947, in New Castle, Indiana, and raised in Port Clinton, the oldest son of the late Harold and Barbara Adams Ashby.

After high school, Mike worked several years with the Conservation Center and planted 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 moved 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 Ashby; 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 were his parents, Harold and Barbara; beloved in-laws, Eugene and Eileen Burford; and twin grandsons, Jabez and Jozef.

Friends will be received 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, at Hartville Conservative Mennonite Church, 10547 Market Ave. N., Uniontown, OH 44685.

A funeral will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, and conclude with a graveside service at King Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to ChristianAidMinistries.org.

To share a memory or photo of Mike, please visit www.schneebergerfuneral.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Schneeberger Funeral Home, 2222 Fulton Road NW, Canton, OH 44709, 330-456-8237.

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