Charles H. Ashley, Sr passed peacefully in the early hours of June 5, 2024.
Dad to some, Pops to others and Charlie to most was born January 31,1936 in Massena, NY Lawrence and Leona Ashley and raised with nine siblings. As a young boy, Charlie spent many days stocking shelves, cutting chunks from cheese wheels, and selling wares from the family store. Tending his mamma’s garden taught him the importance of growing and supplying the family with nourishing food. As an adult he toiled in his own large garden on his days off as one of the many ways in which he provided for his young family of five children.
Dad regaled in his adventures in Germany while serving in the United States Airforce as a Radio Operator, sending and deciphering Morse Code. His service was shortened by the untimely death of his father and a call from home to return to help with the family and the business.
A dance would lead to the marriage to Janice Lee Puryer on June 7, 1958 that endured just a few days short of 66 years. Charlie was preceded in death by Janice on April 18, 2023. They celebrated this anniversary together in heaven. Five children were the result of their decision to make a life together.
Charlie was instrumental in the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. When a position with General Motors Central Foundry became available Dad took it and worked many overtime hours. Upon accepting an early retirement Charlie, Janice and youngest son, Joe made the move to Kalispell, Montana in 1988 to meet up with the four other children who had been encouraged to move out west in the previous years. The family was altogether once again enjoying life in the Flathead Valley.
Charlie’s talents and passions were many. Fishing, hunting, and gardening kept food on the table. His construction training brought life to mom’s dreams in home remodels. Jigsaw, crossword, and Jumble puzzles were his source of relaxation. Once he was introduced to Legos on Father’s Day 2023, he was unstoppable, completing over 115 kits in less than a year. The great grandchildren affectionately called him “Grampa Lego”. His sense of humor was bar none, telling jokes and wisecracks with a twinkle in his eye and a smirk on his face.
Charlie is survived by Sherie Jacobsen (Jake), Christy Brown (Rick), Lee Dickson (Bob Darrah) Charlie Ashley, Jr. (Missy) and Joe Ashley (Dana Bearchild). Grandchildren include Andrea and Derek Keno, Jared Morine, Cassandra and Dillon Ashley and Cheyenne Chamberlain. The two great grandchildren are Kira and Kam Keno.
A service will be held Saturday, June 15th at 10:30 A.M. at C.E. Conrad Cemetery in Kalispell, MT. with Military Honors by US Air Force Honor Guard and United Veterans of the Flathead Valley. A celebration of Life will follow around noon at the home of Charlie Ashley, Jr. at 2505 MT Hwy 35, Kalispell.
Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles Henry Ashley, please visit our flower store.
Dad to some, Pops to others and Charlie to most was born January 31,1936 in Massena, NY Lawrence and Leona Ashley and raised with nine siblings. As a young boy, Charlie spent many days stocking shelves, cutting chunks from cheese wheels, and selling wares from the family store. Tending his mamma’s garden taught him the importance of growing and supplying the family with nourishing food. As an adult he toiled in his own large garden on his days off as one of the many ways in which he provided for his young family of five children.
Dad regaled in his adventures in Germany while serving in the United States Airforce as a Radio Operator, sending and deciphering Morse Code. His service was shortened by the untimely death of his father and a call from home to return to help with the family and the business.
A dance would lead to the marriage to Janice Lee Puryer on June 7, 1958 that endured just a few days short of 66 years. Charlie was preceded in death by Janice on April 18, 2023. They celebrated this anniversary together in heaven. Five children were the result of their decision to make a life together.
Charlie was instrumental in the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. When a position with General Motors Central Foundry became available Dad took it and worked many overtime hours. Upon accepting an early retirement Charlie, Janice and youngest son, Joe made the move to Kalispell, Montana in 1988 to meet up with the four other children who had been encouraged to move out west in the previous years. The family was altogether once again enjoying life in the Flathead Valley.
Charlie’s talents and passions were many. Fishing, hunting, and gardening kept food on the table. His construction training brought life to mom’s dreams in home remodels. Jigsaw, crossword, and Jumble puzzles were his source of relaxation. Once he was introduced to Legos on Father’s Day 2023, he was unstoppable, completing over 115 kits in less than a year. The great grandchildren affectionately called him “Grampa Lego”. His sense of humor was bar none, telling jokes and wisecracks with a twinkle in his eye and a smirk on his face.
Charlie is survived by Sherie Jacobsen (Jake), Christy Brown (Rick), Lee Dickson (Bob Darrah) Charlie Ashley, Jr. (Missy) and Joe Ashley (Dana Bearchild). Grandchildren include Andrea and Derek Keno, Jared Morine, Cassandra and Dillon Ashley and Cheyenne Chamberlain. The two great grandchildren are Kira and Kam Keno.
A service will be held Saturday, June 15th at 10:30 A.M. at C.E. Conrad Cemetery in Kalispell, MT. with Military Honors by US Air Force Honor Guard and United Veterans of the Flathead Valley. A celebration of Life will follow around noon at the home of Charlie Ashley, Jr. at 2505 MT Hwy 35, Kalispell.
Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles Henry Ashley, please visit our flower store.
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