Steve Ashcraft

Stephen Michael Ashcraft, 76, was freed from the grasp of dementia and was restored by his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at his home. He was born at Grace Hospital in Hutchinson, KS, on May 3, 1946, to Vernon William and Virginia Blanche Carmichael Ashcraft.
Steve attended Mitchell Grade School and was a proud graduate of Valley Pride Grade School and Nickerson Rural High School (1964). At Nickerson he lettered in basketball as well as playing American Legion summer baseball. In 1966 Steve graduated from Hutchinson Junior College and continued his education at The University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, graduating in 1969. At KU Steve was a member of Kappa Psi pharmacy fraternity. He began his pharmacy internship at Coberly Drug. Steve was the first pharmacy manager for Dillon's Pharmacy on West 5th. He later worked for Key Rexall. In 1980 Steve opened Ashcraft Pharmacy in the Hart's Shopping Center in South Hutchinson. In 2016 he retired after selling the pharmacy. During Steve's long career he made hundreds of friends and loyal customers who not only admired his professional expertise, but enjoyed his compassion and ornery spirit.
Steve married Jacqulyn Sue Andrews on August 31, 1968, at Union Valley Church in Hutchinson. Together they completed their senior years at KU in their cozy 10' wide mobile home. On June 4, 1971, their marriage was blessed with their only son, Stephen William (aka Peanut). He and his wife, Ali Chandler Clark Ashcraft, brought daughters, Chandler Elizabeth, Lexee Adisson, and Bryten Makenzie to the family. Steve is also survived by his younger brother, Larry (Jolene) of Hutchinson; sister-in-law, Rhonda Cairns Ashcraft; nieces, Shawna Ashcraft Logue, Desiree Ashcraft Byard (Jimmie), and Jennifer Ashcraft Toland (Ben); four great nieces; and numerous cousins. Missing him greatly are his ace German Shorthair bird dog, Ría, loyal Irish Setter, Brady, and three-legged tortoise kitty, Mocha.
Sports were always an integral part of Steve's life, starting with Cub Scout Baseball and on to competitive baseball and softball. As an adult he played slow pitch softball for Lee T. Moore Construction, Carl's Bar, and finally Ashcraft Pharmacy. In 2014-15 Steve received his 40 year plaque for officiating basketball and football for the Kansas State High School Activity Association. He loved the challenge and camaraderie of "reffing" at the high school and college level and still maintained contact with his fellow refs during their Third Thursday coffees at Scuttlebutt's. Another passion of Steve's were his vintage vehicles. He was always proudest behind the wheel of his '66 Corvette or his '57 Chevy Bel Aire.
Steve was often the quiet supporter of school sports programs, having supplied uniforms for golf and tennis teams. One of his favorite pastimes had been finding hundreds of golf balls on the Crazy Horse course and in the pond on #11. Steve would then spruce them up and repurpose them for the area student golf programs. His last moments were in this Happy Place.
Steve and Jackie were charter members of the original Paganica Country Club. Steve was an active golfer as the course changed from Paganica to Lakewood, The Highlands, and now Crazy Horse.
Steve learned to love hunting and fishing at an early age alongside his father and brothers. He passed these interests along to his son and there were soon three generations sharing the love. Opening day of Pheasant Season became a family ritual.
As a die-hard Jayhawk, Steve attended football and basketball games whenever possible, even traveling to some distant sites to cheer them on. In 2021 his granddaughter, Chandler, became the third generation Jayhawk following her father in 1994. Granddaughter, Lexee, is currently a sophomore at KU.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert John.
He was baptized as a member of South Hutchinson United Methodist Church and currently attended Hutchinson First Church of the Nazarene.
No matter whether it was dance recitals (which were never quite his "thing") or sporting events Steve loved watching his granddaughters. He loved tormenting the girls and they soon learned to give him as good as he sent. Steve and Jackie also loved traveling with their son and his family to KU events or just sightseeing. He and Jackie logged many miles touring Alaska several times, then on to Australia and New Zealand and touring the Greek isles en route to Athens after Chandler's graduation with his son and family. A life-long dream was fulfilled when he and his son got to play at St. Andrews, Carnoustie, Troon, and several other courses they had always loved. Steve and Jackie were later able to tour again with several other golf buddies and their wives. They witnessed Tiger Woods winning the British Open in 2000. The golf group's annual trip to Las Vegas for several rounds was always something he and his son cherished.
Steve's compassion and generosity were well known in the community. Schools and organizations could always depend on Ashcraft Pharmacy to support their fundraisers. His customers were "his people" and he always saw to it that their pharmaceutical needs were met. Steve will be greatly missed.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 2022, at Hutchinson First Church of the Nazarene, 4290 N. Monroe, with Pastor Kent Pedersen officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the church's website. It can also be viewed by clicking the link below. Click here to view the service
Friends may sign Steve's memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at Hutchinson First Church of the Nazarene.
Memorials may be given to The Ashcraft Family Scholarship at the Hutchinson Community Foundation, First Tee of Wichita, a mentoring program for youth who otherwise might not have the opportunity to participate in golf, or Hutchinson First Church of the Nazarene, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Jackie, her son and family would like to thank all the many people who continued to treat Steve with dignity and compassion despite his advancing dementia. Their support and assistance helped so much. May God Bless them all.