Raymond D. Ashby

It is with great sadness that the family of Raymond D. Ashby announces his passing on February 28, 2025 at the age of 81. He was born on April 11, 1943, in Huntington Park, California, the son of Dorothy Jean Ashby (Meeks) and Raymond Dewitt Ashby.

After growing up in a military family with his Mom and stepdad Vaughn W. Jackson, Ray joined the United States Air Force at 17. While in the military, he enjoyed traveling to various parts of the country and also spent a year in England.

After his honorable discharge in February 1964, Ray embarked on a career in the restaurant industry. He advanced from entry-level management at Bronco’s to various supervisory roles at Bronco’s and then Lil’ Duffer restaurants, eventually owning two Lil’ Duffers himself. He later transitioned into food distribution sales at Kraft Foods, Ancona Bros, US Foods, and Cash-Wa where he ended his career.

Ray was a devoted family man. He shared his lifetime with his beloved wife, Sharon Ashby, whom he married on June 4, 1966 at the Bellevue Chapel in Bellevue, Nebraska. He loved and cared for her throughout their 53+ years of marriage. Together they had two daughters, Mary Renee Huon and Rebecca Leigh Waldron who eventually gave them six grandchildren. He was always eager to attend his children’s and grandchildren’s activities and sporting events, and was so proud of each of their accomplishments.

Ray had many passions. He was a diehard fan of Husker football, always cheering with great enthusiasm and seldom missing a game. He also deeply loved the several dogs he owned throughout his lifetime, with each of them being a loyal and special companion. He insisted on keeping his yard and plants immaculate and was his own worst critic. He loved muscle cars, boxing, hunting, traveling, westerns, and spending time with friends and loved ones. There was rarely a day that went by without his usual Starbucks run and a weekly trip for pepperoni & black olive pizza.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife Sharon Ashby, his mother and father Dorthy and Vaughn Jackson, his sister Sharon Krepel, and his brother, Vaughn Edward Jackson.

He is survived by his daughters, Mary Renee Huon (Marc) and Rebecca Leigh Waldron (Greg); his cherished grandchildren: Corben, Winnie, Jacob, Jackson, Alexander, and Maci. He is also survived by his nieces Carrie Matya (Jeff) and Deborah Basler (Rodney) and their families.

His love for his family and friends was unwavering, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A visitation will be held at Kahler-Dolce Funeral Home in Papillion, Nebraska, on Monday March 24, 2025, from 3:30-5:30 P.M. with a Celebration of Life service at 5:30 PM. In honor of Raymond’s love for Nebraska football, attendees are encouraged to wear Husker gear or red.

His burial service will take place at the Omaha National Cemetery on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 10 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Ray took amazing care of Sharon as she battled that terrible disease before her passing.