Michael Edward Ashbaugh

Michael Edward Ashbaugh, age 68, of West Jefferson, NC died Saturday, March 7, 2009, at his beloved mountain home. Born September 8, 1940, at Dover, Ohio, he was the son of late Florence Lightel Ashbaugh and Henry Franklin Ashbaugh. He served in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965. He was a member of the Harrison Masonic Lodge, The Tuscarawas Chapter 164 Order of the Eastern Star, where he served as Worthy Patron three years, and the New Philadelphia Chapter 122 Order of the Eastern Star. Michael retired to the mountains of North Carolina in 1992 following 26 years of service with General Telephone of Ohio. Once in North Carolina he enjoyed working for Gamble Oil, spending time in the mountains watching the wildlife, and creating treasures for family and friends in his wood-working shop.Survivng are his wife of 48 years, Judie A. (Lynn) Ashbaugh; a daughter, Lynn (Ashbaugh) Young and her husband Robert B. Young of Raleigh, NC; a son, Robert Michael Ashbaugh of Tivoli, NY; three grandsons Danny Quarels and his mother Frankie Tikva of Uhrichville, OH, Justin Young of Raleigh, NC, and Robbie Ashbaugh of Tivoli, NY; a brother Patrick Ashbaugh of El Paso, TX; a niece Rachel Ashbaugh and a nephew Eric Ashbaugh of New Philadelphia.In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by two brothers James and Timothy Ashbaugh.The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 12, 2009, from 1:00 â?? 2:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Reverend Dr. Steven Bailey will lead a service celebrating Michael’s life in the funeral home’s Chapel at 2:00 PM. Inurnment will follow in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia.The family requests that memorial contributions in Michael’s name be sent to The Ashe Services for Aging Inc. 180 Chattyrob Lane West Jefferson, NC 28694 or Bethany United Methodist Church 495 NC Highway 194 S., West Jefferson, NC 28694.