Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Richard Harold Ashley
Richard Harold Ashley
Obituary
Guest Book
Richard Ashley Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Dexter, age 86, passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Chelsea Hospital. He was born April 22, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Herman T. and Jean L. (Masterson) Ashley.
Richard graduated from Redford Union High School and served as Staff Sergeant in the National Guard both in Detroit and Ypsilanti. He retired from the US Postal Service in 1992, after 32 years of service in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, and Ypsilanti. Richard was heavily involved in the Dexter Band Boosters while his kids were in high school. After retirement, he continued to volunteer at Chelsea Hospital, where he volunteered for about 44 years, and as a Lighthouse Keeper for a week every summer for several years. Richard loved model railroads and doing projects in his workshop.
Richard married Judith A. McCormick on November 11, 1961, and she survives. He is also survived by his son, Alan (Michelle) Ashley of Chelsea; daughter, Barbara (Donald) Holiday of Dexter; brother, John (Suzan) Ashley; and grandchildren, Ethan Holiday and Joshua Ashley. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Mary Ellen (Henry) Douglass.
Per his request, cremation has taken place and no public services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Hospital, Office of Philanthropy, 775 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118, or the Ann Arbor Model Railroad Club, 3487 Broad St., Dexter, MI 48103. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Nancy Van Blaricum
July 15, 2025
Richard's support of the Dexter Historical Society was consistent from documenting and maintaining the model railroad at the Dexter Area Museum to helping develop and presenting the Underground Railroad information at Gordon Hall Days tours. Richard also helped us organize a special Gordon Hall Days event honoring the railroad in 2016 at Gordon Hall. He was a consistent friend and volunteer and will be missed by all of us.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Terri Kalmbach
July 11, 2025
To Judy and the Ashley family.
Richard will be missed. May God bless you and keep you during your time of sorrow. May your memories bring you comfort and peace. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. In God's love, Terri Kalmbach
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
214 E. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118
Make a Donation
in Richard Ashley's name
People and places connected with Richard
Recent Obituaries
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Ashley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
