Ivan was born on September 13, 1935 in Orleans, NE to Melvin C. and Iva (McKinney) Ashbaugh. He lived in southern Oregon with a maternal aunt before
moving to Corpus Christi, TX to join his father and stepmother Mary (Hall). He graduated from W.B. Ray High School in Corpus Christi in 1956, double lettering in Tennis and Track & Field, and received his B.S. degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Texas, Austin, in 1960. He served in the U.S. Navy as active duty 1958 to 1969 and as a reservist until 1988. Ivan was employed as a team leader and superintendent of the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power at the Haynes and Scattergood stations from 1969 to 1995. He was active with the AmVet Honor Guard, Post 18, from 2003 until his death and was a member of the National Society of the Scabbard and Blade as well as a member of the “Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club” during the Vietnam War.
Ivan was busier in retirement than when he was working. He was an avid volunteer, reporting graffiti and sign damages to the city of Santa Ana, “Mr. Fix-It” to the United Methodist Church of Santa Ana and home, and active in the AmVets Honor Guard,Post 18, from 2003 until his death. He enjoyed traveling, scuba diving, sailing, photography, gardening, “puttering” around the house and pool, playing Pinochle, and helping others.
Ivan married and survived three wives: Frances Marquette Mowles, with whom he raised a son, Chuck, and a daughter, Robin; Patsy Ann Kelly; and Sandra Lee Seamster Smith.
Ivan was preceded in death by his father Melvin, mother Iva, stepmother Mary, and son Chuck. He is survived by his daughter Robin Ashbaugh of Santa Ana, CA, sister Alice Zamora of San Diego, CA, grandchildren Megan Ashbaugh of Phoenix, AZ, Melisa Johnston of Lompoc, CA, Emily Ashbaugh of Oxnard, CA, Jed Hayward of Camarillo, CA, three great grandchildren, one niece, two great nieces, several cousins, and his cat, Petey.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 21, 2018 at the United Methodist Church of Santa Ana, 2121 N. Grand Ave., Santa Ana 92705, at 2:00 p.m.
A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
Donations in Ivan’s honor may be made to the following:
Swedish Medical Center Foundation, 747 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122 (tax ID 91-0983214);
AMVETS National Service Foundation, 4647 Forbes Blvd., Langham, MD 20705;
Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, Santa Ana United Methodist Church, 2121 N. Grand Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5