Joseph Charles Ash was born on March 15, 1941, to Josephine Charlotte Reid and William Preston Ash in Milford, Utah. His father was a railroader, and the family moved with his job as needed. He had particularly fond memories of Reed Point, his grandparent’s home in Rosebud, and living along the Yellowstone River in Billings. Joe went to school in Billings and Rosebud, finishing his high school years with a GED in the U.S. Navy.
Joe joined the Navy when he was just 17 years old, and served in the armed forces for six years, including the second stint in the buddy program on the USS Toledo with his brother, Robert Ash. After his discharge from the Navy, he worked in an underground mine in Bishop, California and then returned to Montana where he worked various jobs as a ranch hand, a cabinet maker, and construction worker.
While living in Rosebud and working as a cabinet maker at St. Labre, Joe met and married Pamela Kraus and together the next 52 years were an adventure and the beginnings of the most important part of Joe’s life – his family!
After working at Jack’s IGA in Forsyth for six years, he moved on to work as a blaster at Long Construction (Western Energy) until his retirement at 65 years old. After retirement, Joe made traveling, gold panning, and researching lost gold mines his hobbies. Joe was an adventurer. He was a scuba diver, a long-distance swimmer, and tried his hand at sky diving. He loved airplanes, ships, demolition, and fast-moving vehicles.
Joe and Pamela had four children together, Tessa, Justin, Roberta, and Monica. They also had the singular joy of raising a granddaughter, Ashton. Joe’s children and grandchildren, along with his wife, were his greatest loves. He was truly a good man and was loved beyond measure by his family.
On August 5, 2022, Joe passed away at home with his family surrounding him, grabbing every last hug and kiss his family could bestow on him.
Joseph is survived by his wife, Pamela, his daughter Tessa Ash (William Conners), his son Justin Ash (Marsha), daughter Roberta Ash, and daughter Monica Ash (Kyle Blake), and his special granddaughter, Ashton Solecki (Colton Pace), and his sister-in-law Margaret Ash. Also surviving Joe are his grandchildren, Damon Ash-Eide, Haley Ash-Eide, Brianna Ash, Jacob Thompson (Alex), Kira Thompson, Chance Ash-Gerber, and Chase Ash-Gerber, as well as two great-grandsons, Dax and Jet Thompson. Also surviving Joe are sisters, Diane Hubbard (Dennis), Roberta Guptil (Wally), brother William Ash (Judy), Carol Cox. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Cathy Morris, brother-in-law, Bart Kraus (Connie), sister-in-law Rose Backer, sister-in-law Margaret Risingsun, and several nieces and nephews.
Joseph left this lifetime to join with family that were waiting for him, his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, his friends on the blasting crew, and his brother Robert Ash who he missed daily. There will not be a day go by that the family he left here won’t miss him.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am August 10th at the Rosebud Cemetery, followed by a gathering of family and friends at the Rosebud Church. Pastor Pat Hedges will officiate and is hosting the luncheon. Stevenson and Sons of Forsyth are handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity will be appreciated by Joe’s family.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Diana Mickell Hale says
Pam and family, you are all in my prayers. Losing a loved one is not easy. Take your time in morning!
Michele Mickolio says
Pam you are in my prayers sweet lady. Take care. Peace be with you.
Connie Brown says
Pam and family. So sorry for your loss.
Dean Holmes says
bless you Joe. Bless you Pam. Sorry to loose another friend.
Duane and Sue Allred says
Always enjoyed his quiet sense of humor. RIP Joe!
Carla Fahrenbruck says
I am so sorry to see this Pam! I wish I could think of something to say that would take away the pain of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
I’m so sorry for your loss. To all the Ash Family you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I have lots of wonderful memories of Joe. He will be greatly missed.
VIOLET SCHIFFER says
My dear Pam and family, I’m so sorry to see that Joe has passed away. I am remembering you in my prayers. Vi Schiffer
Kay and Rocky Berdahl says
Pam and family,
Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Patricia A Herold says
Pam, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
SS says
dayum, lost a true legend. my heart hurts. thinking of you Ash family, xoxo keeping you all in prayer and always close to my heart. what a story he left behind in those that carry on the Ash legacy, Tessa, Justin, Muffy, Monica, Damon, Haley, and many I’ve failed to mention. Forever, in my hearts and always proud to know you. Forever rest in peace Joe. #Godspeed
Sandy Peaslee says
Deepest condolences to Pam and the Ash Family.
Vonnie Becker says
My sincere condolences go out to you, Pam, and your family during this most difficult time.
Norma Rangel Wegmann says
Pam and family so sorry for your loss.
Sharon Wetsch says
Pam and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers.
Duane and Sharon
Pam Shelton says
Pam and family
So very sorry for your y
Pam Beardsley says
Pam and family,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I am very sorry for your loss. May the Lord give you strength and comfort today and in the days ahead.
Carolyn Hays says
Pam and kids, I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. May you all find peace in your love and memories of Joe. I know Doug loved you like a second set of parents and you helped him so much when he was not getting along with his dad with a safe place to stay and a willing ear to vent to. Prayers for all of you! Cooky Johnson Hays
Tracee L RAYMOND says
Pam and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Joe was a great guy and will be dearly missed. Hugs and prayers to all.
Janet & Rachel Stanhope says
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. All our prayers are sent to you and yours in this difficult time.
Teryl and Wade says
Our thoughts and prayers to Joe’s family….
Vickie & Dennis Krause says
Pam & Joe’s family, words can’t express on losing a love one. Cherish your memories! Joe was a wonderful talent person. Thinking of you all . Vickie & Dennis
Marvel Korang says
Sorry for your loss,Justin and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers! Jim VanHorn also sends his Condolences,
Randy and Cora Stennerson says
Thoughts and prayers to Joe’s family.
Sharon Borla says
Pam and family, my sincere sympathy and prayers for comfort during this difficult time.
IUOE Local 400 Board, Members and Staff says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this most difficult time
Doug & Cherie Heser says
Pam and family,
We are so sorry to learn about Joe’s death. We arrived home and got the paper too late to attend the service at Rosebud, but our thoughts are with you. We know your family will support each other and join many people in missing him. You are in our prayers for wonderful memories, comfort, and peace.