Cover photo for William Rutledge Ashe's Obituary
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William Rutledge Ashe

August 7, 1937 — June 8, 2020

William Rutledge Ashe

William Rutledge Ashe, age 82, of Bellingham passed away at his home with his family Monday, June 8, 2020 from complications of Lymphoma. William was born Aug. 7, 1937 in Sedro Woolley to parents William Virgil and Wanda (Morris) Ashe.  William was happily married to Karen McCauley Ashe for 57 years, she preceded him in death in June of 2016. He spent 9 years in the military, four years in the Navy, four years in the Army and one year in the Marine Corps Reserves. William was proud Vietnam Veteran. William was employed by the Whatcom County Engineering Department were he retired after 30 years of service never missing a day of work. His hobbies included playing the penny machines and various Casinos, camping at Lake Connor Park, Jack of all trades, wood carver mechanic and lifelong Ford fan and owner, craftsman tool collector, hilarious sense of humor but most all he loved spending time with his family. William was preceded in death by his wife, parents Virgil and Wanda Ashe, brother Darrell Ashe, sister Beulah Wood, Bekki Ashe and grandson Bert DuPraw. He is survived by his five children, Merrie Roop and husband Jay of Mukilteo, Brian Ashe of Bellingham, Lori Roop and her husband Doug of Monroe, Dennis Ashe of Ferndale and Kelli Ashe-Smetana of Bellingham; 12 grandchildren, Josh DuPraw, Cassie DuPraw, Hannah Roop Jacob Roop, Ben Roop, Jordon Ashe(Sarah), Kylie Ashe, Kirsti Smetana, Kendra Smetana, Kollin Johnson Kimie Swanson (Drew) and Kaylee Johnson; 4 great grandchildren, Kaydence, Lincoln, Weston Ashe, and Skylar Mack; sister Jean Forbes and numerous nieces, nephews and numerous other relatives. A celebration of life open house will be held Saturday, June 20, 2020 at the family home 3131 Cherrywood Ave. in Bellingham from 12 Noon  - 4:00 PM. Family suggests donations be made to Whatcom Hospice, 2800 Douglas Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. 

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