OBITUARY

Delbert Marlin Ashby

December 25, 1934November 1, 2023
Obituary of Delbert Marlin Ashby
Delbert Marlin Ashby passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 in Virginia. Del was born in Evansville, Indiana to Arnold and Estelle Ashby. He joined the Navy before age 18, and while enlisted, he met and married Geraldine B. Walsh. Upon completion of the Navy Kiddie Cruise, they resided in the Washington D.C. area. Del attended the University of Maryland School of Engineering, and used his engineering background in the sales arena. Del became heavily involved in the church and local community while he and Gerry raised their two daughters. An entrepreneur by nature, Del opened Dunhill of Lanham Employment Agency, with his wife’s support, in the 1970’s. Del was a quiet observer of human nature, which made him quite successful at matching employees with employers. Later, he opened his own brand, the Wellington Company, Inc. During the 1990’s he maneuvered into trading mortgages, writing a book, and giving seminars on this subject. Business was his primary life passion, and he enjoyed teaching others his trade. In his free time, Del loved playing the guitar, banjo, fiddle and organ. He played regularly in jam sessions with friends. From his Navy days Del developed a love of the water, and boating, spending weekends on the Chesapeake Bay. He also enjoyed creating and cooking his own recipes. In 1998, after a long and hard battle to help his wife survive, Del lost Gerry to ALS. In 1999, Del was blessed to meet, and become a long-term partner with Shirley A. Rayner. He started his retirement around this time, and became heavily involved with traveling and RVing. Del and Shirley travelled around the country exploring its beauty, and visiting with friends and family. He also learned to clog dance during this period, which he quite enjoyed. The passion of business pulled him to become an RV Travel Consultant, and to continue writing and blogging. In 2017, most painfully, Del lost his youngest daughter Tracie. Shirley was a strong support system for him during this time. In 2021, while Del was recovering in rehab from a broken hip, Shirley unexpectedly passed away. He was heartbroken. After leaving rehab Del and his oldest Daughter lived together, and he worked most diligently to maintain his health. Del dealt with his health issues, with great dignity. He had an infectious smile that attracted others, a good sense of humor, and he enjoyed meeting and socializing with others. Del is survived by his Daughter Cheryl Ashby, his brothers, Chuck Ashby, Kenny Ashby, and Jerry Ashby. He is also survived by a host of warm and caring nieces and nephews. A memorial service is being planned and will be announced as soon as arrangements are made.

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