Ralph W. Ashcraft Obituary (1931 - 2019)

Ralph W. Ashcraft, 88, of Pana passed away Monday, November 25, 2019 in St. John's Hospital, Springfield. He was born January 25, 1931 in Marmaduke, Arkansas, son of the late Ernie & Zelma (Green) Ashcraft. Ralph married Mary A. Nall on April 19, 1952 in Taylorville. She preceded him in death on October 28, 1990. He then married Marcella (Laux) Dust on April 13, 1991 in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Pana and she survives in Pana. Ralph worked as a mechanic for Down's Motors for 47 years. He was a past member of the Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge & Eagles Club, all in Pana. Ralph's hobbies included refinishing furniture, playing cards, going on car rides, working in the yard, and watching over his neighbors' dogs, who he loved. He also enjoyed sitting outside at his home across from the elementary school and watching the kids play during their recess time. In addition to his wife, Ralph is survived by his children: Randy (Nancy) Ashcraft, Pana, IL; Derek (Cindy) Ashcraft, Rosamond, IL; Carl (Nancy) Ashcraft, Pana, IL; Don (Linda) Dust, Assumption, IL; Dan (Nelia) Dust, Breese, IL; Jim (Nancy) Dust, Springfield, IL; John (Cathy) Dust, South Carolina; Greg (Debbie) Dust, Pana, IL; Joan (Tom) Saatkamp, Pana, IL; Christina (Matt) Nollman, Pana, IL; 30 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Dorothy Weitke. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Chad Dust & brother, Russell Ashcraft. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2019 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Rodney A. Schwartz & Pastor Dave Altman officiating. Burial will be in Rosemond Grove Cemetery, Rosamond. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home. Memorials in Ralph's honor may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave., Clayton, MO 63110 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.