William "Bill" Ashton

William "Bill" Ashton, age 84, passed away at home on Monday, November 10, 2025, following a brief battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Cherished husband of 57 years of Shirley (nee Alderman); devoted father of Greg (Angie) and Mike (Nikki); beloved grandfather of Zachary, Jeremy, Aubrey and Wesley; loving son of the late William J. and Mary (nee Milinchik) Ashton, Sr.; dearest brother of the late David; and dear uncle of Kim.

Bill often reminisced about his time as a youth playing basketball from dawn until dusk at Herman playground on Cleveland's near West side. He always felt that it was that time on the court that kept him occupied and away from any trouble!

He worked as a letter carrier for the US Postal service, retiring after 38 years.

He was an active member of Ridgewood United Methodist Church in Parma, where he was a founding member of the Seeker Sunday School Class for over 50 years, a group which truly became like a family to its members!

Bill was a laid-back man and loved the simplicity and tranquility of doing jigsaw puzzles in his spare time, but he also like to be active and had played on an inter-generational softball team. One of his favorite places to be, however, was at home in a room dedicated to his many plants, where he would turn on his favorite Rolling Stones cd's and simply enjoy caring for everything from orchids and cacti to his "rescues" from the bargain rack at Home Depot. Whether indoors or outdoors, he let his green thumb show!

His greatest love and devotion, however, was to his family! He cherished time spent watching his sons participate in various activities when they were young as well as enjoying time playing games with them himself. He carried on that tradition as each of his grandchildren arrived, spending many happy hours with each of them in many ways. He particularly loved watching his grandson, Wesley, play soccer regularly. Distance was no obstacle either, as he and Shirley were happy to travel to the many states their son, Greg lived in over the years so they could continue to nurture their family time together. The grandchildren were always ready with planned activities for their grandparents' arrival, whether it was trips to local attractions, tossing a ball in the backyard, or board games around the table at home! No matter what and where, Bill always found time and ways to make his children and grandchildren feel special to him!

Bill's devotion to his church and his family made him truly special, and his memory will be forever treasured by all who knew him!

The family asks that instead of flowers, those who wish to honor Bill, instead make a donation in his name to the NE Ohio SPCA, 9555 Brookpark Rd., Parma, OH 44129 or online at https://northeastohiospca.org/ways-to-give.

A memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Busch Funeral Home, 7501 Ridge Rd., Parma, OH 44129, and will conclude with a memorial service at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Brooklyn Heights Cemetery, Cleveland.

440-842-7800 www.buschcares.com