Ashley R. Ward

Obituary of Ashley R. Ward Ashley R. Ward
Albion: Passed August 6, 2017, at the age of 89. Born November 27, 1927, the middle son of Alan and Hazel (Stone) Ward, in Carlton NY. Predeceased in death by both parents and both brothers; Lee (Rose) Ward of Kent, Cecil (Betty) Ward of Millville. His wife, the former Bonnie O’Kane, died in 2001. Also predeceased by two brother in laws, Robert (Rita) O’Kane, Stanley (Margaret) O’Kane, as well as several nieces and nephews. Survived by three children: Arnold (Martha Landauer) of Albion, Robert of Portland, Oregon; Susan (Jeffery) Malloy of San Jose, California, grandchildren, Alan (Amy) Ward of Spencerport and their children Jaida and Ashton; Haley (Billy) Thomas of Portland, Oregon and their daughter Ashlynn, Kim Sanchez and her children Sterling, Ava, and Griffin of Bend, Oregon; Sean and Andrew Malloy of San Jose, California, step grandsons: Craig and Daniel Malloy of San Jose, California. Also survived by a special friend and former daughter in- law Robin Wehling. Ashley began his life on a farm in Carlton, farming with his father and younger brother. In 1954 he and his wife Bonnie purchased their own farm on RT 18 near Kent, and continued farming until 1961. He served as the Town of Carlton’s welfare officer. He was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to the position of Assistant Social Service Commission of Orleans County .He served from January 1, 1963 to November of 1978. He set up The Federal Food Stamp Program as well as the Child Support Collection Unit in Orleans County. In 1978, he set up and ran a new program for the county, currently known as Section Eight Housing Assistance. He retired in 1990, completing over 32 years of public service. Over the years he and his wife, remodeled their country home into a five bedroom, three and a half bathroom residence. In 1981 they opened as the first Bed and Breakfast in Orleans County. They continued until Bonnie fell ill in 1999. Ashley was a 58 year member of the Carlton Fire Department. During his active years he served as Fire Police, President, Director and Chaplain of the company. He served on the board of directors of Community Action for 33 years. He was also a member of the Orleans County Housing Counsel. A member of the Albion Rotary Club for over 35 years and named a Paul Harris Fellow twice (the highest honor given by Rotary International), also serving as chairman of the clubs’ annual fishing derby for over 20 years. He was a member of Renovation Lodge #97 F. & A.M. Ashley was very active at Christ Episcopal Church, serving several terms on vestry among other activities. His favorite pastimes include playing golf and cards, tending to his several flower gardens and vegetable garden. He enjoyed traveling out west, the glitter of Las Vegas, and visiting family. Everyone that knew him will miss Ashley’s stories and great sense of humor. He touched many lives and was a great inspiration to many. The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 W. Avenue, Albion, Friday August 11, from 2:00-4:00 & 7:00-9:00. Ashely’s Funeral Service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 26 S. Main St. Albion, on Saturday August 12, at 10:00am. Interment will be in Mt. Albion Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Orleans P.O. Box 489, Albion, NY 14411 or to Christ Episcopal Church.