Gerald Michael "Jerry" Ashburn

Gerald (Jerry) Michael Ashburn passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 13, 2025, surrounded by his family who loved him so much. Jerry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and son. He spent his entire life in Southern California. He was born in Inglewood and grew up in Culver City.

Jerry was born on May 14, 1937, to Maureen and Glenn Ashburn. He was the second of four children and the only son. Jerry's father, Glenn, took Jerry under his wing both at work at the Ashburn Supply Company and in the wilderness. He brought Jerry on horseback trips and camping trips into the back country of the Eastern Sierra where he taught Jerry to love camping and fishing.

Jerry married the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Mary Ellen, on August 10, 1957. After he married the love of his life, they lived in West Los Angeles, Torrance, Valencia (where they raised their children) and finally San Clemente where they lived for 38 years. They recently celebrated their 68 th wedding anniversary. Jerry and Mary Ellen have three children: Lynn, Lauri and Steven. Jerry instilled his love of camping, fishing and the Eastern Sierra in his wife and children. The most important part of Jerry's life was his family. They meant everything to him and he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them and watching his grandchildren play sports.

In 1972, Jerry and Mary Ellen bought their own camping trailer, and over the years, Jerry pulled the trailer, and his family, thousands and thousands of miles all over the western half of the United States. They enjoyed many trips to beautiful places including Canada, Yellowstone and their most cherished place, Twin Lakes and Robinson Creek outside of Bridgeport, California. Jerry and Mary Ellen also loved to travel and enjoyed trips to Cabo San Lucas, Hawaii, New England, Italy, Sicily, England, Germany, Austria, the Caribbean Islands, Scotland, and Ireland. In their most recent trip to Ireland, Jerry was able to spend time with his cousin Eddie and Eddie's wife, Rita. They also visited Limerick, the birthplace of Jerry's mother, and the home where she lived for eight years until moving to the United States with her family.

Jerry worked for Ashburn Supply Company until his father's passing in 1961. He then worked for Climate Distributing Company and then Rheem Manufacturing Company as Western Regional Manager until he retired in 2002. Jerry was a true patriot and really loved his country. He was proud of the fact that he was related to Jesse James and Betsy Ross.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; his children Lynn (Alan), Lauri (Joe) and Steven (Shannon); his nine grandchildren Jeffrey (Natalie), Jenna, Jessica, Matthew (Synthia), Eric, Jack, Kevin, Cole and Erin; his great-grandchildren Jayden, Sophia and Gerald (Jerry's namesake); his three sisters Sheila, Nancy (Jim) and Pat (Rudy); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Although Jerry is in a much better place with Jesus, we will all truly miss his fun and loving presence.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society, www.bloodcancerunited.org.