Edward Ray Ashley, 73, of Arcola, died at 12:34 AM Sunday, August 12, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at the Arcola United Methodist Church with Rev. Vince Rohn officiating. A reception will follow in the church basement. Shrader Funeral Home, 204 N. Locust Street, Arcola, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ed was born August 15, 1938 in Humboldt, the son of James Ray and Lillie Magdalene Edwards Ashley. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Lenora Sitz in Arcola on March 6, 1959.

Survivors include his wife Dorothy of Arcola; 4 daughters, Tina Lynn (Craig) VanDeveer; Lisa Kaye (Kurt) Karmazinas; Lori Dale Ashley Anderson all of Arcola; Teri Raye (Tom) Scaggs of Champaign; 13 grandchildren, Stephen (Lauren) VanDeveer of Morris; Amber (Rich) Weaver of Hindsboro; Whitney (Matt) McCullough; Tori and Cameron Anderson; Kathryn; Kayle; Klairyn; and Kauryn Karmazinas all of Arcola; Andrew, Matthew, Madison and Thomas Scaggs of Champaign; 5 great grandchildren, Tristan Anderson, Jacob, Jayden and baby Weaver, and Jaxson McCullough; 2 brothers, Mike Ashley of Newport Richey, Florida; and Roger Ashley of Bolivar, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his father in 1979 and his mother in 1999, and brother, Roy Lee.

Ed was a 1956 graduate of Arcola High School. He was employed as a draftsman/inspector at U.S.I. Chemical Corp. in Tuscola from 1957-1991. In addition, he farmed for many years. Antiques were another passion of Ed's; he and his wife operated Dot's Corner Shoppe in Arcola for several years, and most recently sold antiques in local malls.

Family meant everything to Ed. His world revolved around his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was instrumental in starting Jr. High Girls Basketball in the Arcola school system and coached Arcola summer rec softball Junior and Senior Girls for many years, including a team in which all four of his girls played at the same time. Many years he coached his teams to the state tournament. Ed bowled at Old Orchard Lanes and Embassy Lanes for several years. He held high individual series over his years of bowling.

Anytime there was a game of cards, Ed could be found in the middle. He enjoyed card games with his extended family every June on Father's Day for the annual reunion which he organized.

His true love in retirement was fishing. He could be found fishing in area ponds and loved to fish in Tennessee and the Ozarks.

Ed wore many hats, and he always expressed his opinion and never backed down from what he believed. He will always be remembered for the kindness he has shown to others, many times anonymously. He will be missed by many.

Memorials are suggested to the Ed Ashley Softball Memorial in care of the Arcola First Bank, PO Box 100, Arcola, IL 61910, in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.hilligossshraderfh.com