Gerald E. Ashbaugh

Gerald E. Ashbaugh, 82, of Van Wert, died at 10:08 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born April 18, 1929, in Van Wert County, the son of the late Gayle Ashbaugh and Nina D. (Girod) Ashbaugh Saylor. On September 16, 1950, he married Nona Reta Ashbaugh, who preceded him in death on September 4, 2007.

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

Survivors include four children, Rex Ashbaugh of Chandler, Ariz., Rick (Stephanie Miller) Ashbaugh of Van Wert, Cheri (Ron) Siewersten of Harrison, Ark., and Connie (Joe) Bilimek of Van Wert; two sisters-in-law, Joan (Elmer) Giessler of Van Wert and Pam (Larry) Rich of Carmel, Ind.; 10 grandchildren, Ryan (Lilly) Siewersten, USN, San Diego, Calif., Andy Siewersten of San Jose, Calif., Corey Siewersten of Hollister, Calif., Brandan Siewersten of Harrison, Ark., Abby Ashbaugh of Van Wert, Clay Bolton of Lancaster, Amy, Adam, Kendra and Ben Bilimek, all of Van Wert; and one great-granddaughter, Joslynne Ricker of Van Wert.

Two brothers, Alton and David “Stooge” Ashbaugh; two half-brothers, Delbert and Elbert Saylor; and a sister, Evelyn “Sis” Miller, also preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, April 6, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, with the Rev. Paul W. Miller officiating. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery in rural Van Wert County.

Calling hours are from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center, c/o Community Health Professionals, 1159 Westwood Drive, Van Wert, OH 45891, or the American Cancer Society.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.alspachgearhart.com.