"Ron and I had many conversation over the years at FS manager meetings. He was well known in the system. Julie and I send out our thoughts and prayers to Maxine, family and friends. Sam Skemp"
In loving memory of
Ronald Asher
September 21, 1949 - January 2, 2021
Ronald Lewis Asher, age 71, of Quincy, died on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at 6:06 p.m. in Blessing Hospital.
He was born September 21, 1949 in Quincy, a son of Lewis Ellsworth and Illa May Jenkins Asher. On December 13, 1980, he married Maxine Beams. She survives. Ron and Maxine were avid motorcycle riders and travelers who spent their winters in Naples FL. They recently celebrated 40 years of marriage on December 13, 2020.
Ron grew up working on the Asher family farm. He was a 1967 graduate of Unity High School in Mendon, where he was very active in FFA. Ron received his Bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University. He taught Vocational Agriculture at both Donalson and Fort Madison Iowa. He had been employed by the Iowa Farm Bureau from 1975- 1977.
Ron started his career with Growmark Western Region in 1977. In 1982 he moved to Schuyler Brown FS Member Company. Ron was hired as the general manager of Kankakee Service Company in 1987. In 1992, his efforts, along with loyal employees, enabled them to combine Kankakee Service Company with Ford Iroquois FS to form Heritage FS in Gilman, IL. Ron did the same thing with Will & DuPage FS in 2001. Ron continued to add companies and staff, with whom he was honored to work, until his retirement in 2007. Ron made many lasting friendships through the Growmark and FS family. After his retirement, Ron began his venture as grandpa extraordinaire, devoting most of his time and energy into a very serious grandpa role. A good time was had by all.
In addition to his wife of 40 years, Maxine, survivors include: three beloved daughters, Christine (Bryan) Vanzile of Quincy; Susan (Joe) Blackburn of Normal, IL; and Erica (Gary) Thomas of Decatur; ten grandchildren: Alec, Braden, Danay, Dawson, Kirrah, Johnnie, Margaret, William, Scarlett, and Madeline; three step grandsons; two great grandchildren; his God daughters: Nettie and Kelsey; two brothers: Marion (Deb) Asher and Dale (Cindy) Asher; his sister Karen (Alan) Niekamp; his sister-in-law, Linda Asher; his brother-in-law, Steve Gottula; his best friend, Ron Seiling of Naples, FL; 16 special nieces and nephews; and six great nieces and great nephews.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Darlene; and a brother, Curtis.
Ron was cremated as per his wishes.
Services: A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorials: Payson Southern Baptist Church or Alzheimer's Association. Memorial Donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"Worked many years along side Ron and he will always be remembered. Best wishes to Maxine and his entire family."
"Our sympathy to Maxine and family."
"We extend our deepest sympathies to Maxine and family. I knew Ron for 40 years and held him in high regard. We will miss him. "
"My heartfelt condolences. I'll always be grateful for having know him and thankful for who he was. "
"Our condolences to Maxine and family on the loss of Ron, your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bill and Karen Long "