Russell Lee Asher

Russell Lee Asher, 92, of Martinsville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025, at the IU Health Hospice House in Bloomington, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 27th, 1933, in Martinsville, to the late Clarence and Julie (Northern) Asher. A lifelong resident of Martinsville, Russell graduated from Martinsville High School with the Class of 1951. He proudly served his country in the Indiana Army National Guard from 1955 until his honorable discharge in 1989, retiring with the rank of First Lieutenant. A man of dedication and outstanding work ethic, Russell worked for United Oil Company in Indianapolis for 34 years, retiring in 1996 as a purchasing agent. On July 21, 1977, he married the love of his life, Loretta Jean (Sloan) Asher, and together they shared 48 wonderful years filled with adventure, laughter, and love. He and Loretta were avid travelers, visiting all 50 states-48 of them by motorcycle-and 14 foreign countries. They were also longtime members of the Bloomington Ski Club, through which they took numerous ski trips, including to the Swiss Alps. Russell was a faithful member of New Salem Baptist Church and a longtime member of the "Morning Liar's Club" at Hardee's in Martinsville. He was passionate about motorcycling, traveling, fishing, hunting, and scrolling through Facebook to keep up with friends and family. Above all, Russell cherished time spent with his loved ones and his loyal black Labradors. He leaves behind a host of loving family and dear friends who will miss him dearly including his wife, Loretta Asher of Martinsville, IN; sons, John (wife, Debbie) Asher of Campbellsville, KY, and Harvey (wife, Joy) Weaver of Gosport, IN; daughters, Cynthia "Cindy" (husband, Matt) Williams of Ft. Wayne, IN, and Melody (husband, Dave) Malak of Martinsville, IN; brother, Larry Dale (wife, Jane) Ransom of Massachusetts; eight beloved grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Along with his parents, Russell was preceded in death by three brothers, Jerry Asher, Clarence Asher Jr., and David Asher; and a sister, Marilyn Wilson. Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday, October 10th, 2025, from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Neal & Summers Funeral Home in Martinsville. Rev. Karen Smith will be conducting a service celebrating Russell's life and legacy on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, beginning at 11:00 am at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest with military honors in Liberty Cemetery in Martinsville, Indiana. Condolences and memories are encouraged to be shared with the Asher family online at www.nealandsummers.com