Gerald Ashbaugh

VAN WERT, Ohio - Gerald E. Ashbaugh, 82, Van Wert, died at 10:08 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born April 18, 1929, in Van Wert County, Ohio, to the late Nina D. (Girod) Ashbaugh Saylor and Gayle Ashbaugh. His stepfather, Virgil L. Saylor, is deceased. His wife, Nona Reta Ashbaugh, died Sept. 4, 2007. They were married Sept. 16, 1950.

Survivors include his children: Rex Ashbaugh of Chandler, AZ, Rick (Stephanie Miller) Ashbaugh of Van Wert, Cheri (Ron) Siewertsen of Harrison, AR and Connie (Joe) Bilimek of Van Wert; sisters-in-law: Joan (Elmer) Giessler of Van Wert and Pam (Larry) Rich of Carmel, Ind.; grandchildren: Ryan (Lilly) Siewersten,USN of San Diego, CA, Andy Siewersten of San Jose, CA, Corey Siewersten of Hollister, CA, Brandan Siewersten of Harrison, AR, Abby Ashbaugh of Van Wert, Clay Bolton of Lancaster, Ohio, and Amy, Adam, Kendra, and Ben Bilimek, all of Van Wert, and a great-grandchild: Joslynne Ricker of Van Wert.

He was preceded in death by his brothers: Alton and David "Stooge" Ashbaugh; half brothers: Delbert and Elbert Saylor, and sister: Evelyn "Sis" Miller.

He retired from the Marsh Foundation in Van Wert after 42 years of service. He graduated from Hoaglin-Jackson High School in Van Wert County.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 6 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. The Rev. Paul Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point, Ohio.

Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, April 5 at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial is Van Wert Inpatient Hospice or American Cancer Society.