Ruth Ann Ashford

Ruth was born May 10, 1946 to Andrew and Rosemary Kurtz in Bakersfield Ca. She married the love of her life, Raymond Lee Ashford in May of 1964. They spent all of their time together. There was not an obstacle they could not overcome while together. Ray and Ruth had 4 children together. Their marriage of 55 years saw many adventures and family get-togethers that she deeply cherished.

Ruth was an animal lover, she was never a person to not take home a mutt to save and raise, or a cow dog to train. She loved her cats, birds, rabbits, chickens, goats, pigs and especially her horses. She developed an early, life long love for horses while young. Ruth rode and showed horses for many years, enjoying the closeness she had with all of them. Ruth worked at JG Boswell for 18 years. Her most important job was the Operations Manager for her husband Ray at the machine shop, Ashford Machine. Ray was in charge of fabrication and welding, she was in charge of the billing and taxes. They worked together to build a most successful business.

Ruth leaves behind a large family, daughters include, Melinda (MIndy) Ashford-Leonardo, Alane Lee Pearce, Mary Rae Monteiro, Bryan Andrew Ashford (deceased). Son in laws, Joe Leonardo, John Monteiro. She leaves behind 7 grandchildren, Dory Pearce-Kapigian (Grant), Darcy Rae Walters (Dustin), Dustin Lee Pearce (Kenna), Jordan Brook Monteiro, Joseph Ryder Leonardo, Lauren Rae Leonardo and Katelyn Ann Monteiro. It was her greatest joy to spoil her great-grandchildren Molly Mae Saenz, Dorian Ray Walters, Bennett Ray Kapigian and Maisie Grey Walters. She also leaves behind her sibling, Greg Kurtz from Eugene Oregon, as well as numerous extended family and friends.