Helen Ashbaugh

Helen Margaret Ashbaugh, 83, a resident of Lake Township in Allen County and wife of Ray E. Ashbaugh, died at 6:10 a. m. Friday, November 30, 2007, at The Oaks in Columbia City. She had resided at the nursing home for just a brief time, but had been in failing health for over two years. Mrs. Ashbaugh was born on February 5, 1924 in Oakwood, Ohio, a daughter of Don and Margaret (White) Craft. She spent her formative years in that area and graduated from Oakwood High School in 1941. Her marriage to Ray E. Ashbaugh took place in 1943, and the couple first lived in Paulding County, Ohio. They lived for nine years in Lafayette Township in Allen County before moving to the family farm in Lake Township in 1957. Always active as a farm wife, she assisted her husband with the family dairy operation, and was a homemaker. She was a 50 year member of Lake Chapel United Methodist Church, and enjoyed her family, her farm work, and her church. The surviving relatives include her husband Ray, to whom she was married for over 64 years; her children Don (Judy) Ashbaugh of rural Fort Wayne, Larry (Cindy) Ashbaugh of Columbia City, and Sue (Mark) Loebert of Roanoke; a brother Jack (Margaret) Craft of Oakwood, Ohio; five grandchildren John (Jill) Ashbaugh, Lori (Paul) Nunley, Melissa Ashbaugh, Amy (James) Goodwin, and Ben Ashbaugh; and nine great-grandchildren. Her parents preceded her in death. Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. Monday, December 3, at the Lake Chapel United Methodist Church, 8205 Butt Road, with Pastor Harold Klinker, officiating. The family will receive friends at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Sunday from 4 to 8 p. m., or at the church one hour prior to the service. Graveside services will be held Tuesday morning at Prairie Chapel Cemetery, east of Oakwood, Ohio. For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Lake Chapel United Methodist Church. ************************************* To leave a condolence for the family in Mrs. Ashbaugh's name, click on "Condolences" below. . .