Carl D. Ashbaugh

YORK Carl Daniel Ashbaugh, 94, died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, January 9, 2011, at York Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Arlene (Frecker) Ashbaugh. Before moving to Country Meadows of Leader Heights in York in 2005, Carl and Arlene had lived in Chatham, Va., for 41 years. A celebration of Carl's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2011, in The Chapel at Country Meadows of Leader Heights, 2960 Pine Grove Road, York. Pastor Dennis Hamsher will officiate. Interment will be at St. Paul's Union Cemetery in Knox, Pa., at the convenience of the family. Born in Knox, on November 3, 1916, Carl was the son of the late Claude L. and Ethel (Graff) Ashbaugh. He grew up working on the family farm with his three brothers and three sisters. After graduating from St. Petersburg High School, Petersburg, Carl began a career in the natural gas industry, initially working for Ohio Fuel in Quaker City, Ohio, then for Transcontinental Gas Corporation (Williams Co.), from which he retired in 1982 as the Superintendent of Compressor Station #165, Chatham, Va. During his 31 years with Transco, he also worked at the Clarksville, Md., and Delta Stations After retiring, Carl and Arlene toured Western Europe and re-visited the Continental 48 and Hawaii. They finally made it to Alaska when he was almost 80 years old. Each year, the couple got together with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for a vacation in Williamsburg, Va. Carl loved hunting, sports, and the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting with his brothers and spent countless hours playing golf with his friends and with his grand and great-grandchildren. He also loved watching sports, especially the Baltimore Orioles and the Ohio State Buckeyes, and playing cards. Carl was known for his kindness. He got up early every morning to make coffee for his wife and he loved to spoil his grandchildren. He was also known for his wonderful sense of humor and his great laugh. He had his own unique nicknames for many members of his family. Carl was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of Quaker City Lodge No. 500, F. & A.M., Morgan-Johnson Chapter No. 44 Order of the Eastern Star, Danville Shrine Club of Danville, Va., and the ACCA Shriners of Richmond, Va. He was a life member of the Past Masters Association, 23rd Ohio Masonic District. In addition to his wife, Carl is survived by two daughters, Carole Ross and her husband, Hugh of Columbia, Md., and Janet McElwain and her husband, Wayne of Stewartstown; a sister, Faye Reed of Oil City; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandsons. He was predeceased by his three brothers, Arther, Russell, and William Kahle Ashbaugh; and two sisters, Helen Hagen Long and Martha Ashbaugh. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Watson Memorial United Methodist Church, 136 N. Main St., Chatham, VA 24531;or in Carl's name to the charity of your choice. J.J. Hartenstein Mortuary, Inc., 19 S. Main St., Stewartstown, is assisting the family with arrangements.