Maynard L. Ashby Jr., 85, of Traverse City, passed away at his home with his family at his side on April 2, 2018. Maynard was born on June 23, 1932, in Pontiac, to the late Maynard L. and Luella (Thompson) Ashby Sr.
He graduated from Brighton High School in 1970. Maynard married Gaye Ann Wirth in Pontiac in1950 and the couple raised four children together and were married for 26 years until Gaye Ann's passing on Sept. 22, 1976.
Maynard was employed with GM as a road test engineer where he achieved a 30 year safe driving award at Pontiac Motor Division. He lived and worked in Pontiac, Brighton and Traverse City where he worked for Ferguson Enterprise. He was a long time member of the Traverse City Elk Club where he served as an Elk Trustee. Maynard was loved by everyone he met for his sense of humor and a heart of gold.
He married Helen Francis Russ in Toledo on March 2, 1977 and the couple celebrated 31 years of marriage until Helen's passing on March 24, 2008.
Maynard is survived by his children; sons, Mike Ashby, Terry (Helen) Ashby, Craig Ashby; daughter, Luanne (Richard)McKibben; step-sons, James (Renee) McElheny, Michael McElheny; 6 grand children; 5 great grandchildren; brother, Bill Ashby; sister, Nancy Flood; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Gaye Ann and Helen Francis.
A visitation will be held for family and friends on Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers please consider contributions in Maynard's name to Women's Resource Center.
Please share your thoughts and memories with Maynard's family by way of his online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.