William Henry Ashby

William H. “Bill” Ashby died Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the age of 64 in his home in Silver Lakes, Ca., after a battle with lung cancer. During the week prior to his death, Bill was blessed to be surrounded by those he loved — his wife, his children, grandchildren and siblings.

Bill was born on August 29, 1958, in Fontana, California, to parents William “Red” Ashby and Carole Lynne (both deceased). He spent most of his childhood and early adult life in Fontana and surrounding communities. He had a long-time career in the grocery industry with Stater Brothers (San Bernardino County) and Vons (Bishop, CA) markets. He began working with Stater’s as boxboy in his teens and worked his way up to District Supervisor during his decades-long career with the company. Prior to his retirement at age 62, Bill had a career with Amazon in its Riverside County district offices. He was noted for his amazing work ethic.

As a child and teen, Bill attended St. Joseph’s Academy (Fontana), Golden Valley Junior High School (San Bernardino), and Fontana High School.

Bill will be remembered for his goodness, his kind heart, his dry humor. He was a passionate fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and treasured his memories at the Dodgers stadium, and with brother Jim at the World Series in Texas in 2020. As a youth, Bill played baseball and shared the love of the sport with his dad and brother. As an adult, Bill grew fond of the sport of golf. His last residence was in the community of Silver Lakes, and he was able to play frequently and watch others play from his veranda. He loved fishing, his Harley and riding a quad with his kids in Glamis, Ca. In the event of a family emergency, Bill was the first on the spot. He was known for his meticulousness, his organizational skills, his dedication to the things and people he embraced. He hated chaos and drama. His sweeping depth of love for his children and grandchildren knew no bounds. His boys knew him as “Pops”; his daughter (always his little girl) knew him as “Daddy”; and his grandkids called him “Papa.” He was happiest when he was surrounded by family. As a big brother, his quiet presence was always known to his siblings. As a couple, Bill and Debbie enjoyed a quiet and happy life and established a network of friends in their community.

He is survived by his wife and best friend Debbie; his children Billy (spouse Monique), Brian (spouse Amber), and Jennifer (spouse Jacob); grandchildren Robert, Aspen, Dayton (Billy’s children), Travis, Kaylee, Sophia, Natalie (Brian’s children), Audrey and Aiden (Jennifer’s children); siblings Jim (wife Donna), Kathleen (husband Reg), and Jeff; stepchildren Aaron (wife Nichole), Katie and Jed; and stepgrandchildren Hayleigh and Cameron (Aaron’s children).

Bill’s wishes were to be remembered and celebrated privately by family and close friends.