Russell Mohr Ashton

March 3, 1919 – June 15, 2012

Russell M. Ashton was born in rural Paulding County Ohio on March 3, 1919 to Morgan and Winnie Ashton. The youngest of four children, he was raised on the family farm. After graduating from Haviland High School, he completed a year of business school and did accounting work in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Russell eventually returned home, going into the farming business with his brothers. Like many others in early 1942, Russell enlisted in the Army. He soon found himself stationed at Lowry Airbase in Denver where he became sergeant major of a squadron. He quickly joined the young adult group at Central Christian Church where Maxine Weller caught his eye. The two fell in love and after several years, began planning a life together. Their romance was interrupted when Russell shipped out for a seven month tour of duty in the European Theatre of Operations, stationed in Egypt. Less than a month after his return to the States and his separation from the Army in 1946, Russ and Maxine were married at Central Christian Church and became charter members of the Kum Dubl class. From then on this church family was an immensely important part of their lives. Russ continued his business education by taking classes at the University of Denver, and went to work in the regional office of Ford Motor Company. He retired after more than 30 successful years with Ford, and embarked on an encore career that enveloped hobbies of tax preparation and investment. Over the years, Russ and Maxine built two family homes in Wheat Ridge, Colorado where they raised two children, Diane and Roger. Russell’s love of the outdoors and the Colorado mountains became the impetus for many family outings. Skiing, camping, hiking, and exploring remote ghost towns became favored summer and winter pastimes. He actively supported his children’s school, Camp Fire, Boy Scout and church group activities. Russ also initiated bi-annual cross-country family road trips so his “city-bred” kids could connect with his family and farm roots. In his later years, Russ made an annual pilgrimage to the John Deere dealership in Strasburg, CO to ensure the latest John Deere tractor toy was under the Christmas tree for his grandsons and later, his great grandson. Through the years, Russ was active with Central Christian Church and the Colorado Christian Home, serving in many capacities with each. Russ loved to follow CU and Bronco football and to travel with Maxine, including frequent trips to Steamboat and Maui. On June 15, 2012, Russ peacefully rejoined Maxine to begin his journey with the angels. He is survived by his loving children Diane and Roger, daughter-in-law Mary Ashton, grandsons Aaron and Corey Nakai, grand daughter-in-law Susan Nakai, great grandson Ashton Nakai, great granddaughter Amaya Nakai, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

The family suggests contributions to Tennyson Center for Children at Colorado Christian Home, 2950 Tennyson, Denver, CO 80212.