Wanted to share article placed in Wichita Eagle on 03/19/2009 by dear friends---Thanks Susie and Keith.
Tribute to friend
On March 4 we lost a lifelong friend, Raymond "Sonny" Ashpole, after a courageous battle with cancer. After his retirement, he had spent many hours at the McDonald's at 21st and Amidon with his support group, discussing the problems of the world and taking advantage of the "senior" coffee.
It was very rewarding to drive by and see the message "We will miss you Ray, Sonny" on the McDonald's marquee. We know it has made his family and friends feel a little better to see him remembered in such a manner.
Thank you, McDonald's, for the personal tribute to our friend.
SUSIE and KEITH WIRTHS
Wichita
Love,
Julie
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Missing Pop
McD Marquee tribute to Pop. Everyone has been so wonderful----thanks so much.
Julie and family
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Ashpole Family Update
To all of our friends and loved ones.
Raymond Riley Ashpole (Ray, Sonny)
After a valiant and courageous fight against cancer without ever voicing complaint, but declaring that "he had good life", Ray Ashpole, 71 passed away on March 4. His love of sports, friends, and golf was surpassed only by his love of family. He was preceded in death by children Ken and Kelli and survived by wife Julia, daughters Terry Clamp, Vicki Breig, and Kathy Ashpole, sons Keith Ashpole, Kevin Ashpole and Kurt Ashpole, 17 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren. He was well known and loved by the residents of north Wichita and his presence will be sorely missed at Thunder games, high school sporting events, Echo Hills golf course and at McDonald's daily coffee "meetings". In lieu of flowers, the family asks that in memory of Ray, you value every moment of the time you're given and treasure the family and friends that surround you.
Pop's passing was peaceful at home this afternoon. He requested no services and we will honor those wishes. Our family thanks each and everyone of you for your thoughts, prayers, cards, etc.
Love,
Julie and family
Raymond Riley Ashpole (Ray, Sonny)
After a valiant and courageous fight against cancer without ever voicing complaint, but declaring that "he had good life", Ray Ashpole, 71 passed away on March 4. His love of sports, friends, and golf was surpassed only by his love of family. He was preceded in death by children Ken and Kelli and survived by wife Julia, daughters Terry Clamp, Vicki Breig, and Kathy Ashpole, sons Keith Ashpole, Kevin Ashpole and Kurt Ashpole, 17 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren. He was well known and loved by the residents of north Wichita and his presence will be sorely missed at Thunder games, high school sporting events, Echo Hills golf course and at McDonald's daily coffee "meetings". In lieu of flowers, the family asks that in memory of Ray, you value every moment of the time you're given and treasure the family and friends that surround you.
Pop's passing was peaceful at home this afternoon. He requested no services and we will honor those wishes. Our family thanks each and everyone of you for your thoughts, prayers, cards, etc.
Love,
Julie and family
My Papa, the Hall of Famer
After an exhausting week of doctor appointments Ma has asked me to post a message regarding Papa's current state.
Papa has put up a good fight and we have all been very grateful for him enduring through this challenge, but we understand that some things are out of our control. His strong will throughout this whole ordeal has been remarkable, and I will always be in awe of his strength and the unrelenting support of his friends and family.
Yesterday the doctors made it clear that attempts to persue this fight longer might not present any positive outcome. Papa took the past few days to come to the decision that he wanted to be home, in privacy, with his family. We ask that during this time his wishes are respected, as his condition has been weakened and having guests would be draining. His family asks that you send only good thoughts and prayers, and we will try to keep any news posted.
So, it is the bottom of the ninth and while we are all hoping for a miracle, we know that the opposition has the upper hand. Papa has played a good game and we are continually amazed by his extraordinary spirit.
Sonny's Granddaughter,
LJ
Papa has put up a good fight and we have all been very grateful for him enduring through this challenge, but we understand that some things are out of our control. His strong will throughout this whole ordeal has been remarkable, and I will always be in awe of his strength and the unrelenting support of his friends and family.
Yesterday the doctors made it clear that attempts to persue this fight longer might not present any positive outcome. Papa took the past few days to come to the decision that he wanted to be home, in privacy, with his family. We ask that during this time his wishes are respected, as his condition has been weakened and having guests would be draining. His family asks that you send only good thoughts and prayers, and we will try to keep any news posted.
So, it is the bottom of the ninth and while we are all hoping for a miracle, we know that the opposition has the upper hand. Papa has played a good game and we are continually amazed by his extraordinary spirit.
Sonny's Granddaughter,
LJ
Monday, March 2, 2009
Short Note
Yay! Pop slept well last night and we are off to a day's worth of doctor appointments. Stay tuned, we will blog more later.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Pop's Progress
Keeping it real:
Pop had a rough night, lots of shortness of breath, up and down, finally wanted to lie flat in the king bed and slept like a baby for 3 hours.We spent most of the morning at the hospital having lab work, waiting for results, and asking one of Dr. Moore's associates to see Pop before we left since pulse was 138, respirations were 40-42. Dr. Matar was kind enough to visit with us, ordered a test to check kidney function and ordered a diuretic to help reduce the swelling in Pop's feet and possibly help with shortness of breath. We are also increasing his oxygen to 3-4 liters--even 5 if necessary. We see Dr. Moore in AM for lab and appt to discuss more treatment.
JJ's thoughts:
(It is amazing after 52 years of marriage I am still finding out great things about Pop. As you know he is a man of few words. In the last 5+ months, Pop has been prodded on, poked on, operated on, tested on, radiated, chemically saturated, etc. and has yet to complain. I am truly humbled as is our entire family as we walk with him in thought and prayer.
It has been wonderful to have Lindsay and Terry here.
Love, Mom
Pop had a rough night, lots of shortness of breath, up and down, finally wanted to lie flat in the king bed and slept like a baby for 3 hours.We spent most of the morning at the hospital having lab work, waiting for results, and asking one of Dr. Moore's associates to see Pop before we left since pulse was 138, respirations were 40-42. Dr. Matar was kind enough to visit with us, ordered a test to check kidney function and ordered a diuretic to help reduce the swelling in Pop's feet and possibly help with shortness of breath. We are also increasing his oxygen to 3-4 liters--even 5 if necessary. We see Dr. Moore in AM for lab and appt to discuss more treatment.
JJ's thoughts:
(It is amazing after 52 years of marriage I am still finding out great things about Pop. As you know he is a man of few words. In the last 5+ months, Pop has been prodded on, poked on, operated on, tested on, radiated, chemically saturated, etc. and has yet to complain. I am truly humbled as is our entire family as we walk with him in thought and prayer.
It has been wonderful to have Lindsay and Terry here.
Love, Mom
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