Stephen Ash

STEPHEN W. ASH

Stephen W. Ash, age 62, of Kahoka, MO, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at his home.

Stephen was born January 25, 1957 in Keokuk, IA, a son of Alva Jr. and Betty Jo Toops Ash.

Although he was never married on paper, he and Billie Lay were in a committed relationship for the past thirty years and in each others eyes were husband and wife.

Survivors include his wife, Billie Lay of the home; mother-in-law Mary Rhodes of Canton; children: Charles and Roman Lay of Kahoka, Samantha Lay of Geneva, IL and Lisa Lay (Josh Burgess) of Wyaconda; grandchildren, Devlin, Dylin and Braiden Soraghan and Jerret and Stephen Burgess; two brothers, Mark Ash and Scott (Donna) Ash, all of Wayland; two sisters, Sheree Ash (Todd McCann) of St. Francisville and Dawna Reece of Burlington; Billie's siblings including Jamie (Brent) Edmondson of Kahoka, Jody (Devin) Green of Cedar Hills, MO and

Laura Rhodes of Keokuk; aunts and uncles: Wilma and Jesse Forquer of Wyaconda, Zelda and Albert Sturm and Doreen and Bill Bergman, all of Kahoka, Hazel Crow of Oconomowoc, WI, Jewell Ash of Wyaconda, Earlene Ash of Highland, IL, Rose and Ralph Buschling and Rebecca Buschling, all of Wayland and Ida Ruth and Ed Nelson of Keokuk; as well as nieces and nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Charles "Chick" Rhodes; nieces Tonya Ash and Tabitha Smith; great-nephew Tripp Hudnut; several aunts and uncles; and many friends.

Steve graduated from Clark Co. R-1 High School with the class of 1976. He was an employee of Pioneer Railroad stationed at the Keokuk Junction until last fall when he had to retire due to his health.

Steve lived where he was most happy on their acreage south of Kahoka. He loved farming, gardening, hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed fixing and building things, valuing reusing rather than throwing away. He was talented at arts and crafts and enjoyed playing a good game of cards. More than anything, he loved his family, especially his grandkids. He always made sure he had plenty of candy so he could spoil children.

Funeral services were held Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with his uncle, Ed Nelson, providing words of comfort.

Burial followed in the Oak Hill Cemetery east of Kahoka.

Memorials may be made to the family.

On-line condolences may be expressed at www.wilsonfuneralservice.com.

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Friends may call at Wilson Funeral Home after 9 a.m. Wednesday with family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m.