James E. Ash

James Edwin Ash, 85, of Shelbyville, died Friday, Sept. 1, 2006, at the Waldron Health Care Home in Waldron. Born Dec. 20, 1920, in Shelbyville, he was the son of Carey and Grace (Reed) Ash. He married Betty J. Hendrickson on April 5, 1943, and she preceded him in death on Sept. 12, 1995. Survivors include one daughter, Sherry Lower of Shelbyville; one son, Tim Ash of Shelbyville; two brothers, Harold Ash of Shelbyville and Paul Ash of Carmel; six sisters, Ruth DeVult of Eaton Park, Fla., Lorene Pile of Terre Haute, Mary Gilles of Washington state, Janet Lee of Shelbyville, Phyllis Endicott of Flat Rock and Betty Stewart of Fairland; seven grandchildren, Shane Lower, Brandy Murray, Olivia Kennett, Wyatt Ash, Ingrid Ash, Jake Ash and Lex Ash; and seven great-grandchildren, Kylie Goode, Daniel Lower, Cameron Lower, Miah Lower, Blair Lower, Trevor Murray and Kinsey Murray. He also was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Theda Kelly; and one great-granddaughter, Ashley Taylor Murray. Mr. Ash was a lifelong resident of Shelbyville. He had been employed by Rieth-Riley for more than 20 years in road construction, retiring in 1982. He was a member of the Carpenters Union No. 40 and a former member of the American Legion Post No. 70. Mr. Ash was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran of World War II. No visitation is planned. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Forest Hill Cemetery, with the Rev. Robert Campbell officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Shelby County, 110 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville, IN 46176. Online condolences can be sent to www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.