William “Bill” Ashley

William “Bill” Ashley

August 27, 1940 - Dec. 04, 2024

CULBERTSON, Neb. - William “Bill” Ashley was born August 27, 1940 to Elwood and Francis (Brothers) Ashley in Ogdensburg, N.Y. Bill graduated from Massena High School in 1961. He lived in upstate New York until 1962. Bill joined the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War.

On July 24, 1965, he married Shirley Hansen in Canton, N.Y. and they were married for 59 years. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on May 16, 1966. Bill and his wife moved to Nebraska at that time. He was employed over the years at Safeway, the locker plant in Culbertson, TRW and Dayco plants in McCook. In August 2002, Bill retired from Dayco after working 27 years there.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jon; his in-laws, Hans and Helen Hansen; as well as brothers-in-law and sisters- in-law.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley; three daughters, Tina and her husband, Mark Sovereign of Lincoln, NE, Michelle and her husband, Ryan Krauter of Keystone, Neb. and Crystal and her husband, Chris Smith of Culbertson; six grandchildren: Halie, Ryan, Rhea, Casey, Owen and Cheyenne; one sister, Margaret Ann Sabre; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Bill enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, fishing and hunting. He was an avid sports fan, especially Husker football, hockey, the Oakland Raiders and New York Yankees.

Bill was involved in volunteering at the Trenton and McCook nursing homes.

Bill passed away Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 4, 2024 at the Wauneta Care and Therapy Center in Wauneta, Neb. He was 84 years of age.

Cremation was chosen and memorial services with military honors are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. He will be taken back to New York for his final resting place at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the family of Bill Ashley for later designation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.