Robert Leonard Ashley

February 18, 1946 – August 23, 2024

Denton, Texas

Robert Leonard Ashley was born February 18, 1946 to LeRoy and Margaret Ashley in Elgin, Illinois.  On August 23, 2024, Jesus called Bob home as he was being cared for at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) in Dallas, Texas, following a long illness.

Bob graduated from Larkin High School in 1965 and attended Elgin Community College.  He married Penny Day on September 30, 1966.  Together, they shared almost 58 years of marriage.  The love, pride, and joys of Bob's life were his daughter Elizabeth and son Steven.

Bob began his professional life in mechanical engineering and progressed to the design and production of copy machines, then onto sales in the cell tower communication era.  His success enabled him to travel to many foreign countries until his retirement in 2009.   Beyond traveling, Bob enjoyed fishing, woodworking, target shooting and a vast love of music.  Wednesday lunches were a weekly highlight with his two special friends who called themselves the ROMEOs – Retired Old Men Eating Out.

Bob had a big heart for helping others.  As a Friend of Bill, he helped many on their journey of recovery.  He and Penny co-chaired Global Interact International, an organization supporting foreign exchange students, and would often host and share an American Thanksgiving meal for them.  A believer in serving others, Bob constructed the Advent diorama at church for the congregation to view and also participated in his neighborhood homeowner's association.

Bob is predeceased by his parents and siblings Ronald, Dennis, and JoAnn Rohrssen.  He is survived by his loving wife, Penny, daughter Elizabeth and husband Kelly Hein and their children Joshua, Emily, Samantha, and Noah, and son Steven and wife Anna Ashley and their son Samuel. He is also survived by nieces Dawn and Margot and nephew, Jason. Family, friends, and Finley -- Bob's devoted dog -- will miss him dearly.  His love of life, sense of humor, and willingness to help others brightened the lives of those who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held downtown at First United Methodist Church of Denton, Texas, on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.  Those desiring to make a memorial gift, in lieu of flowers, are asked to consider the UTSW Cancer Center [ https://engage.utsouthwestern.edu/donate-now/ ] designated cancer research or First United Methodist Church of Denton [ www.fumc-denton.com/give ].