Ron Ashley

Ronnie “Ron” Michael Ashley, 77, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away Friday, September 11, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. He was born May 15, 1949, to Otto and Carmel Ashley in Gideon, Missouri. Ron was the youngest of eight children. After his father passed away when Ron was just 10 years old, his older siblings helped care for him, creating a close bond that remained throughout his life. He treasured his relationships with his brothers and sisters and was grateful for the love and care they shared with him.

Ron’s faith was the foundation of his life. He was a devoted prayer warrior whose personal relationship with Jesus Christ was most important to him. His beloved wife of 48 years, Elaine, and his family were his greatest earthly priorities, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Ron was a very humble man, a great listener, and had a love of music and a witty sense of humor. He was slow to judge and quick to forgive, always choosing to think well of others. He was loyal, responsible, patient, and had a spirit of contentment that was evident to those who knew him.

Ron served as a registered nurse in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit for 30 years, caring for others with compassion and dedication. He was an avid fisherman and was passionate about mission work and serving others. His faith, love for his family, humility, and servant’s heart will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Carmel Ashley; his sisters, Kathryn Elseworth (Burl), Helena Jumper (Hulsey), Edith Richardson (Donald), and Barbara Brown (Sam); and his brother, Guy Ashley (Barbara).

He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine Ashley; his children, Michael Ashley (Laura), Sarah Thornton (Jeremy), and Andrew Ashley (Jennifer); his grandchildren, Jayla, Carter, Emma, Gabriel, Andrew Jr., and Zachariah; and his siblings, Gayle Ashley (Vida) and Carolyne Sissom (Ken); and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 3, 2026, at Bent Oak Church, 2438 E. Cherry St., Springfield, MO 65802. While there will be no formal visitation, a reception line will begin at 11:30 a.m., allowing family and friends to gather, share memories, and offer condolences. The Celebration of Life service will begin at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to Warrior’s Journey, twj.org, in Ron’s memory.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, Missouri.