Ronald Ray Ashbaugh

Ronald Ray Ashbaugh, age 84, of Effingham, Illinois, passed away on January 27, 2026 in Effingham, Illinois.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Pagel Funeral Home in Edgewood, Illinois, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Arborcrest Memorial Park. Pastor Kent Robinson will be presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the donor’s choice. 

Ronnie was born on May 24, 1941 in Effingham County, Illinois the son of Vaughn “Joe” Ashbaugh and Catherine Slifer. He married Connie Hager in April 1966 at the Edgewood Christian Church. Ronnie was proud to serve his country in the United States Army Reserve. He worked as a carpenter for most of his life, building 40 plus homes in his professional career. He ran into health troubles in 1982 which stopped his building, but not his woodworking or hunting. He loved bird hunting, especially turkeys, and was a proud member of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Ronnie was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and loved watching them play baseball. While he was an only child and had no children of his own, he was dearly loved by extended family and friends, whom he also loved dearly.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his wife, Connie Ashbaugh; and his parents, Vaughn and Catherine Ashbaugh.

Ronnie’s loved ones would like to send their appreciation to the staff of Evergreen Nursing and Rehabilitation, who made his home away from home very comfortable. They also wish to express their thanks to Jalen Carrillo and his crew from hospice.