Obituary: Rial Edward Ashmore
Rial Edward Ashmore, born on January 10, 1937, in Pontiac, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home in Chelsea, Michigan, on January 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Rial was the son of Richard Edward Ashmore and Dorotha Clare Smith, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1955, where he was active in sports and student council. His senior quote humorously declared, “If women interfere with my studying, I will quit studying.” Rial went on to earn a degree in general business from Jackson Junior College in 1957.
On June 22, 1958, Rial married the love of his life, Barbara Ruth Shew, in Munith, Michigan. Together they shared 66 years of marriage and built a loving family.
Rial is survived by their three daughters: Kathy (Paul) Salow, Karen (Scott) Allen, and Kristy (Steve) Fetyko; six grandchildren: Rebecca (Tom) Waybrant, Angie Salow (Cameron Evans), Sara (Dylan) Adams, Adam (Cassidy) Salow, Katie Smith, and Jacob Fetyko; two great-grandchildren: Cameron and Adaline Adams; his sister, Marilyn (Dave) Funk; brother, James (Carol Lynn) Ashmore; and several nieces and nephews.
Rial dedicated over 40 years to D&C Stores as Vice President and Director of Merchandise, and served for 20 years on the Board of Directors at Farmer’s State Bank, including serving as Chairman of the Board.
A proud member of the Army National Guard, Rial also gave back to his community through the Jaycees, Lions Club, Stockbridge Methodist Church, and Stockbridge City Council. He also served on the Stockbridge Fire Department for many years. He was a spirited announcer for Stockbridge Panther football for many years….much to his teenage daughters’ dismay!
In retirement, Rial and Barb enjoyed winters in Florida after years of traveling to Arizona. He loved golf, walking up to 10,000 steps daily before his illness, cheering on Michigan sports teams, playing cards and Dominoes, and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events.
Rial was an amazing husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend, and he will be greatly missed. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Revel Run (formerly Reddeman Farms), 555 Dancer Road, Chelsea, MI, 48118 on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 1-4 p.m. A luncheon will be served.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Rial’s honor may do so to the Chelsea Retirement Community or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
