Jerry Ashby

Jerry's life began on May 7, 1961 in Niles, MI, the son of Jerry L. Mather and Geraldine Wesaw and his adoptive parents William and Helen Ashby. He was united in marriage to the former Cheryl M. Bowman on December 5, 1981 in Dowagiac. Jerry was a member of the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indians and very active in the tribe. He was very proud of his heritage and was a builder of homes for the tribe. He wanted the best for those that came after him. Jerry always wanted things done right and he never cut corners. When he was not building something Jerry could be found tinkering on cars or enjoying his grandchildren and all kids in general. Jerry was very dedicated to his family which includes his wife of 27 years, Cheryl Ashby of Dowagiac, his children Aleasha (Ed Durbin) Ashby of Decatur, Jeremy (Jessica) Ashby of Dowagiac, Deanna (Zachary) Souers of Paragould, AR, and Kevin Lillie of Dowagiac, grandchildren Gavin “Bubba” Ashby, Sierra “Angel Butt” Durbin, Serenity “Sweat Pea” Durbin, Evan “Grandpa's Little Man” Ashby, sisters Debbie, Tami (Laylow), Teri and Denise , brothers Richard “P.J.” Ashby, Lewis “Pepe” Ashby, Nickolas “Mingo” Johnson, Brian Allen, David Hill, Joe Ashby and Michael “Chet” Ashby, sister in laws, Ellen Ashby, Kim (Todd) Ferguson, and Christina “Ellie” (Nick) Jankoviak, brother in laws Paul “P. K.” (Tamara) Bowman and Jeff Ray, and his mother in law Evalene Bowman, countless loving nieces and nephews. Jerry passed away Thursday November 26, 2009 at Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital. He is preceded in death by his parents, his adoptive parents, sister Christine Jack, brother Glen Ashby, father in law Paul Bowman and sister in law Sandra Ray. His family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at Yazel-Clark Chapel (405 Center St. Dowagiac) where a Pokagon drum ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. His funeral ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home led by James Gibson. Jerry will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery, Sister Lakes following the funeral. Memorials may be directed to the family in care of Cheryl. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Jerry at www.yazel-clark.com .