R. Kline Ashton, Sr., 84 of Palmer Twp., PA died Wednesday, January 25, 2017. Born July 9, 1932 in Easton, PA he was a son of the late Jean (Melick) and Fred L. Ashton, Sr. He and his wife Arlene (Carcione) Ashton were married 62 years. He was a graduate of Easton High School Class of 1950 and Lafayette College Class of 1954, where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He received his MBA from Lehigh University and was a 1st Lieutenant in the Army during the Korean War.
Kline was a fourth generation funeral director and owner of the Ashton Funeral Home in Easton for more than 60 years. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and active with various church groups over his lifetime. He was a Past-President of the Eastern PA Funeral Directors Association where he was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award. He served as a District Governor of the PA Funeral Directors Association and was a State Chair of the International Order of the Golden Rule. He was a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and founding member of the Northampton County Community College Funeral Service Program and Advisory Board.
Kline was a Past-President of the Easton Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow and Easton Rotary Service Foundation Fellow. He was an Eagle Scout and received a James E. West Fellow Award from the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of various masonic organizations including a 60 year member of Easton Lodge, #152, F & AM and 32nd Degree Mason. He served on various Boards including The United Way of Easton, Easton Area Volunteer Association, Easton Rotary Service Foundation, and American Red Cross. He was also a member of the Pomfret Club, the Northampton Country Club. and Jr. O.U.A.M.
He is survived by his wife Arlene; his children: Debra Jo Ashton-Chase and her husband Peter of Bethlehem Twp., PA, R. Kline Ashton, Jr. and his wife Amy of Easton, PA, W. Scott Ashton and his wife Sharon of Bethlehem Twp., PA; a sister: Anna Kutzler of Forks Twp., PA; 6 grandchildren: Sam, Julie, Robert, Matthew, Victoria and Ryan and 2 step-grandchildren: Brian and Cody. He was predeceased by his brother Fred L. Ashton, Jr.
Services are 2 PM Sunday (Jan. 29) in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2115 Washington Boulevard, Easton, PA with a viewing from 3 PM to 6 PM Saturday, (Jan. 28) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton and also prior to the service at the church on Sunday. Interment is in the Historic Easton Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Easton Rotary Service Foundation, c/o 25 Chestnut Ridge Circle, Easton, PA 18042 or the Lehigh Valley Health Network, Renal Transplant Program, PO Box 689, Allentown, PA 18105.
Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Mark Christie
January 25, 2017 at 8:52 pm
Was sorry to learn of the passing of Kline, Sr. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ashton family
Susan Lutz Vicario
January 25, 2017 at 10:22 pm
Dear Kline, Scott and Debbie,
My love and prayers are with you and your family. Your father was a wonderful man. He was so kind and a pleasure to speak with. His presence was always comforting even in the saddest of occasions. God Bless, Susan
Donna Trauger
January 26, 2017 at 12:34 am
Mrs. Ashton, Debbie, Kline, Scott & Family,
Our deepest condolences. Your family has always been here for our family during our hardest moments. You are all in our thoughts & prayers. Another angel 😇 to watch over is. Love ❤️
Donna Trauger & Bea Hochwarter
Jeffrey A. Naugle
January 26, 2017 at 10:46 am
Dear Ashton Family,
Saddened to hear the news. My sincere condolences. Life has kept me consumed and apart from associates such as Dad. I always enjoyed the lively business conversations I had with Kline. He was a true professional with a caring heart, appropriate to his professional calling. I am certain that you all possess many fond memories, cherish them and indulge in them. These memories define Dad’s legacy. Blessings to all.
Emily Schiller
January 26, 2017 at 11:00 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. Remember the promise our dear
God, Jehovah gave us in Acts 24:15 of the Resurrection.
And the comfort He gives in 2 Corintains 1: 3,4
With Sincere Sympathy,
Emily
Mark Cooke and family
January 26, 2017 at 11:05 am
Dear Ashton family,
Our sincere condolences to all of you on the loss of Kline Sr. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Mark
Nicos C. Elias
January 26, 2017 at 11:17 am
Debbie and the Ashton family, I’m so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. I know how important he was to establishing the funeral service program that so many of us would benefit from over the years. He is well respected and will be missed.
Pat Takach
January 26, 2017 at 11:47 am
To the Ashton family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Your father was a great man and will be missed by many. I’m glad I got to know , working at mikes steak shop. Again, my most sincere condolences to all the family.
Carl Schmoyer
January 26, 2017 at 1:00 pm
To the Ashtons,
Our profession and the community at large have lost a great role model, his experience and judgment respected by all, and all who knew Kline will remember a great friend.
With sincerest thoughts,
~Carl Schmoyer and family and colleagues.
Roger W. Allen
January 26, 2017 at 2:24 pm
Dear Ashton Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences following the death of Kline, Sr. I knew Kline from years past with OGR. I was always so glad to cross paths with him. He was such a pleasant individual to be around with his ready smile. He was an active listener and welcomed questions and concerns. He responses were always thoughtful, insightful and wise. I regret we lost contact but fondly remember the times shared. He was a credit to our profession, a gentleman and a just plain good guy. I have no doubt many will deeply miss him as he touched many lives.
Roger Allen, Allen Funeral Home
Dustin Grim
January 26, 2017 at 2:46 pm
Dear Ashton Family,
What a great role model and legacy that your father has left for us all. A wonderful, well spoken, and well respected man that will be missed by our profession and community at large. My deepest condolences to you all.
Dustin Grim
Schantz Funeral Home, P.C.
Janara Hoppock
January 26, 2017 at 4:00 pm
My sincerest condolences to your family. I’m very sorry to hear of your loss.
Sue Herschlag
January 26, 2017 at 5:05 pm
Dear Ashton Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. May your memories sustain you during this most difficult time. The Easton Rotary Club will not be the same without Kline.
Sue Herschlag
Charlanne and Kent Milroy
January 26, 2017 at 5:54 pm
Debra Jo, Peter, Mrs. Ashton and family-
We were sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing! We had only met him twice, the last time at your wedding, and found him to be a very fine, warm and polished gentleman! On our first meeting, he insisted on taking us to lunch – a very kind gesture! His reputation as the consummate professional comes through loud and clear.
We think of you often!
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Charlanne and Kent Milroy
Carol Ann Stem
January 26, 2017 at 8:23 pm
Dear Ashton Family,
I am sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be greatly missed.
Bruce Stieska( Flower Cart)
January 26, 2017 at 9:02 pm
Dear Arlene,Debbie,Kline Jr. and Scott
So Sorry to hear of the passing of your Husband and Dad..He was a very kind and caring Man..A true Professional.. Try and focus on the happy times to help you get thru this most difficult time.
Kline Sr. May You Rest In Peace
Bruce Stieska ( Flower Cart)
Laurie Kovacs Peters
January 27, 2017 at 8:13 am
Dear Scott and Family,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. God bless.
Craig and Renate Johnston
January 27, 2017 at 8:39 am
Dear Debra Jo and family, Please accept our most sincere sympathy at this difficult time. Please know that you are in our prayers.
Marlene Detweiler
January 27, 2017 at 12:25 pm
Mrs. Ashton, Kline Jr, Scott, Debbie & Grandchildren, There are no words to express what you all are going thru. When you miss him just look into your hearts and he will always be there just waiting to put a smile on your face. Remember all the love and precious moments you had together. Crying are tears of sadness and loss for us but to him they are a sign of your love for him. He’s with God now watching down upon all of you with a big smile showing his pride in all your life’s accomplishments. May God Bless You, May His Face Smile Down Upon You, May He Give You The Strength You Need To Get Thru The Days Ahead Of You and May God Hold You In His Loving Arms In Your Most Lowest Moment. Blessings, Marlene Detweiler & Family
Thomas Sloand
January 27, 2017 at 2:09 pm
Dear Kline & Amy — and entire Ashton family: I wish all of you Peace through this moment of Unhappiness. As a believer in The Holy Spirit, I believe that the wonderful spirit of your Father shall forever Live Within Each of You, insofar as you call upon his Love. And frankly I know that is true in ‘young’-Kline, given you are truly one of the most authentic, giving people that I have Ever met in my life. During these tougher days, perhaps try to remember all of the many fun family moments that you all shared together
Frank Kapr
January 27, 2017 at 2:45 pm
Debbie and the entire Ashton Family, please accept my sincere condolences on your dear Father’s passing. Keep his memories close to your heart and everything you do, do it in his memory.
Frank Kapr
Shirley & Dick Jones
January 27, 2017 at 3:47 pm
So very sorrow to read of Kline’s passing. Just talked to him about 2 weeks ago. He lived a great life and we will think of him often
,
Linda Bassett
January 27, 2017 at 3:59 pm
Dear Arlene and family, I was so sorry to learn of Kline’s passing when Peggy called to tell me. What a fine man. I always enjoyed our banter when I saw him at Mike’s. All my life I heard of the Ashton’s and all your generosity to others over the years. I was always proud to tell people that I was “wood pile relation.” My deepest sympathies and prayers for God’s comfort and strength to all of you.
Kevin & Patricia Hockman Finney
January 27, 2017 at 5:47 pm
Dear Ashton Family,
We are saddened by the news of the passing of your father. When you miss him look into your heart and remember the good times you all had and he will make you smile. Our hearts go out to you all. Our deepest sympathies and prayers to get you all thru this.
David J. Heintzelman
January 27, 2017 at 9:47 pm
My deepest sympathy to the Ashton Family. Mr. Ashton was not only a dedicated funeral director, he was a gift to the entire profession. Where many funeral directors are so deep into running their own business, Mr. Ashton embraced the profession to work together and serve families in our changing times on the state and national levels. I am a better person for knowing this very generous and caring man. I will miss your contagious smile and your wealth of knowledge. God bless you and God bless your family during this difficult time.
Craig Hackman
January 28, 2017 at 2:05 am
I have many memories of Kline and Arlene from childhood on. Kline was a wonderful thoughtful man who lead a full life and left a wonderful legacy. Few accomplish as much as he and many will remember him fondly.
Rev. Herbert Mohlenhoff, Longboat Key, FL
January 28, 2017 at 7:52 am
A man of faith, huge integrity and unmatched kindness who I was privileged to know both professionally and socially. He brought more comfort to grieving families than anyone else that I have ever known! Our friendship continued long after I left the Easton community to serve parishes in other locations. May God bring comfort to all members of his loving family; may God grant him eternal rest in the “heavenly mansions!”
The Mason Family
January 28, 2017 at 10:04 am
To the Ashton Family,
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Kline Sr. Your entire family has been so very good to us over all of the years we have known you. You have provided us with such kindness and professional care in our family’s most difficult times, and we are very grateful to all of you. May the community that you so compassionately serve offer your family support at this time. We are thinking of and praying for you, and hope that the many memories you share of Kline Sr. are a comfort to you during this difficult time. God Bless you all.
The Mason Family
Arline and Family~
January 28, 2017 at 11:29 am
We are so very sad to hear of the loss of Kline, as a couple you both always helped us through the most difficult times. Please know that we are thinking of you during your difficult time and that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
John & Adele Kies
Joseph a cuvo
January 28, 2017 at 10:51 pm
My heart is heavy with the loss of a true friend,we had many talks about our transplants,as we spent time at Mike’s back room.I thank God I had the privilege to help him when he needed it.l will surely miss his everlasting smile SEMPER FI Brother.
Chaplain Otto Dreydoppel
January 29, 2017 at 7:45 am
Dear Debbie and Kline:
I met your father only twice briefly, but I knew immediately that he was a kind and caring person. I celebrate his contributions to the community, not only in serving people who were bereaved, but also and especially through Rotary. I wish you grace and peace now in your own time of sorrow.
Ray Mammano
January 29, 2017 at 9:27 am
Sorry to hear that Kline passed. As a fellow member of several committees at Good Shepherd,
He was a faithfull and pleasant participant. We will miss him! Prayers to the family.
Palmer Zigmund
January 29, 2017 at 12:10 pm
Scott – Our sincere condolences to you nd your family on the passing of you Dad. I knew from the tone of your response last Saturday that things were not good, but was still shocked to see his obit.
He was truly one of the nicest caring people I have ever met, whether professionally or on the golf course, I know he will be missed terribly by all who knew and loved him
Lehigh Delta Chi
January 30, 2017 at 2:44 am
The brothers of the Lehigh Chapter of the Delta Chi Fraternity express our sympathies on the passing of Kline, Sr. May the Ashton family find strength and peace in this time of loss. In the Bond.
sherry phelps
January 30, 2017 at 8:50 am
we are very sorry not to be there for your dad, he was a good man with a heart of gold, we will miss him. we are very sorry, Carl, Sherry Phelps Family
Connie Smith
January 30, 2017 at 10:09 am
I am deeply sorry for your loss of a spouse, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Kline was a joy to be with and his smile was infectious. Everyone in funeral service lost a special man. May all your warm and precious memories help sustain you during this sad time.
Todd G. Kriner/Ovsak FH
January 31, 2017 at 12:39 pm
What a great man!!! Such great life accomplishments!! It was an honor to spend time with him for so many years on the FUNS advisory board at NCACC. Our prayers are out there for all of your family!!!!
Roger and Sue Ruggles
January 31, 2017 at 9:37 pm
We are blessed to know you and to have known your dad (and husband, grandfather). His infectious smile will remain in our hearts. He was top notch and did everything to the best! Taught all of you to be the best that you can be as well. We continue to keep you in our prayers.
Kathleenberry@msn.com
February 1, 2017 at 12:20 pm
Debra, I just heard about your Dad! I am so sorry for all of you at this difficult time. I always loved seeing him at conventions and if he wasn’t, at least I could send things home for he and your Mom. He has left a wonderful legacy with his beautiful family as well as all those lives he touched along his way…mine was one. Blessings, peace and hugs to all!
Valerie J. Wages, CFSP
February 3, 2017 at 6:45 pm
My friend Debra Jo,
I was so sadden to hear of your father’s death on January 27th. Working with our fathers in the profession over the years has been an experience in it’s self. I know you learned so much from him, as I did my father. You and your family will continue the legacy and heritage established by your father and all the generations of the Ashton family. I will keep you, Peter, and your entire family and team at Ashton Funeral Home in my thoughts and prayers. Be proud of his accomplishments and carry the family business into the future.
Your friend and colleague,
Valerie J. Wages, CFSP
Sam Cummings Jr.
February 6, 2017 at 11:31 am
Deb,
So sorry to here about the passing of your father. I’m not sure how active Kline was in the day to day business, but it doesn’t even matter. Things are just different after they are gone. I lost my father this past year and although he basically had retired from work, he was always still there and always a person I could turn to. I really enjoyed your dad. He served on the board when I was president and I truly enjoyed all the time I spent with him. He had a great personality and he made me laugh. He was a very knowledgeable man and I know he was very proud of you. I’m sorry we missed you at our local, but I know you were exactly where you needed to be. God Bless.
Sam Cummings Jr.
Michael Krehel
March 16, 2017 at 3:34 pm
Dear Mrs. Ashton, Kline, Scott & Deb:
Received my issue of the YB News today and learned about Mr. Ashton’s death. My sincere condolences! In the years that I had the pleasure to do business with he and your family he showed himself to be the perfect gentleman and always had an inviting smile and welcoming attitude. I need not tell you he will be missed by all who knew him. I hope his memories and love carry you through this difficult time. Sincerely,
Mike