Obituary for Keith E. Ashley
Keith E. Ashley was born in Hays, Kansas on August 18, 1930 to parents James and Nova Ashley. He was the oldest of 4 children born to this couple. Keith spent his early childhood in Grinnell and Quinter, Kansas and summers with his grandparents in Seldon, Kansas.
In 1942, his family moved to Independence, Kansas where he became a newspaper boy for several regional newspapers. Often with the money he earned, Keith, in his generosity, would help his family buy things that they otherwise couldn’t afford.
In 1946, at age 16, Keith and his parents and siblings moved to Wichita where he attended Wichita East High School graduating in 1948. After high school Keith attempted to enter the aviation field, but instead was hired by the Wichita Beacon as a “cub reporter,” primarily working the Police Beat. Not long after that, Uncle Sam called and Keith chose to volunteer for the United States Air Force and was stationed in McChord and Neah Bay Air Force bases in Washington State.
On one leave to Wichita, Keith was introduced, by his mother, to Lorretta Lou Gardner. After his 2 years in military service, Keith and Lorretta were married April 11, 1954. Keith and Lorretta remained married until her death in 1996.
After his military tour ended, Keith returned to Wichita and accepted a position with the Wichita Eagle where he served in various reporting and editorial positions for 40 years.
Keith found love again when he met and married Doris Mae Benjamin in 1998. She preceded him in death in 2011.
Keith enjoyed talking politics, staying busy working various projects in the home and yard, and watching the WSU Shockers, his alma mater, graduating in 1960.
Keith was immensely proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with them, especially his grandchildren.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents, James and Nova Ashley; one brother, Jim Ashley, his wife, Lorretta, his second wife, Doris and his daughter, Katherine Ashley-Smith.
Keith is survived by one brother, Dr. Kenneth (Martha) Ashley, Angel Fire, NM; and one sister, Joyce Olson, Wichita, KS.
Keith is also survived by his son, Philip and Janet Ashley of Fall River, KS; Granddaughter, Alicia Ashley, Wichita, KS;
Grandson, Keith (Liz) Ashley, Fort Klamath, Oregon; Grandson, Kaleb (Rachel) Ashley, Valley Center, KS.
In addition, Keith had eight great grandchildren, Keandre Ashley, Kanoa Ashley, McCoy Ashley, Isaac Ashley, Kaden Ashley, Jaxon Ashley, Nova Ashley, and Oliver Ashley.
Keith was also blessed with one step-son, Gary Benjamin (Sue). Four Step-grandchildren, Briana (Tim) Robinson; Kelli (Matt) Walker; Brock Benjamin and Aubrey Benjamin; Five step great grandchildren, Macy Robinson, Benjamin Robinson, Nick Robinson, Lorelei Walker and Lincoln Walker.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at the Haysville United Methodist Church, 601 E. Grand Ave. Haysville, Kansas 67060.
Memorial Gifts may be given in Keith’s memory designated to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Mid-America Chapter
In 1942, his family moved to Independence, Kansas where he became a newspaper boy for several regional newspapers. Often with the money he earned, Keith, in his generosity, would help his family buy things that they otherwise couldn’t afford.
In 1946, at age 16, Keith and his parents and siblings moved to Wichita where he attended Wichita East High School graduating in 1948. After high school Keith attempted to enter the aviation field, but instead was hired by the Wichita Beacon as a “cub reporter,” primarily working the Police Beat. Not long after that, Uncle Sam called and Keith chose to volunteer for the United States Air Force and was stationed in McChord and Neah Bay Air Force bases in Washington State.
On one leave to Wichita, Keith was introduced, by his mother, to Lorretta Lou Gardner. After his 2 years in military service, Keith and Lorretta were married April 11, 1954. Keith and Lorretta remained married until her death in 1996.
After his military tour ended, Keith returned to Wichita and accepted a position with the Wichita Eagle where he served in various reporting and editorial positions for 40 years.
Keith found love again when he met and married Doris Mae Benjamin in 1998. She preceded him in death in 2011.
Keith enjoyed talking politics, staying busy working various projects in the home and yard, and watching the WSU Shockers, his alma mater, graduating in 1960.
Keith was immensely proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with them, especially his grandchildren.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents, James and Nova Ashley; one brother, Jim Ashley, his wife, Lorretta, his second wife, Doris and his daughter, Katherine Ashley-Smith.
Keith is survived by one brother, Dr. Kenneth (Martha) Ashley, Angel Fire, NM; and one sister, Joyce Olson, Wichita, KS.
Keith is also survived by his son, Philip and Janet Ashley of Fall River, KS; Granddaughter, Alicia Ashley, Wichita, KS;
Grandson, Keith (Liz) Ashley, Fort Klamath, Oregon; Grandson, Kaleb (Rachel) Ashley, Valley Center, KS.
In addition, Keith had eight great grandchildren, Keandre Ashley, Kanoa Ashley, McCoy Ashley, Isaac Ashley, Kaden Ashley, Jaxon Ashley, Nova Ashley, and Oliver Ashley.
Keith was also blessed with one step-son, Gary Benjamin (Sue). Four Step-grandchildren, Briana (Tim) Robinson; Kelli (Matt) Walker; Brock Benjamin and Aubrey Benjamin; Five step great grandchildren, Macy Robinson, Benjamin Robinson, Nick Robinson, Lorelei Walker and Lincoln Walker.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at the Haysville United Methodist Church, 601 E. Grand Ave. Haysville, Kansas 67060.
Memorial Gifts may be given in Keith’s memory designated to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Mid-America Chapter