Ashton Francis Roby

Ashton Francis Roby, 78, of Keizer, Oregon, passed away on September 18, 2023. He was born on October 16, 1944, in Cottage Grove, Oregon, to Galen and Evelena Roby. Ashton, known to his friends and family as a generous and sweet man, was smart, hardworking, and always found joy in tinkering in his garage and pursuing his hobbies, such as building model airplanes and model trains.

Ashton attended London Elementary for his primary education and later graduated from Cottage Grove High School in 1962. After completing his education, he proudly served in the Air Force from 1962-66. He met the love of his life, Betty, while stationed in Grand Forks, ND. After serving his country, he and Betty were married and moved to California to begin their lives together.

Following his military service, Ashton embarked on a fulfilling career. He initially worked at United Airlines in freight shipping in San Francisco for several months before moving to Portland, Oregon. While there he dedicated 10 years of his life to working at Portland International Airport and raising his two small children. Ashton then returned to his hometown of Cottage Grove and worked at Weyerhauser for a decade until the decline of the logging industry. He later explored various job opportunities until he discovered his passion for paintball. Affectionately known as "Airguy" by everyone, Ashton provided compressed air to paintball players for several years. He also worked at Scholastic Books, delivering books to schools, and served as a school bus driver until his retirement.

Ashton's faith played an important role in his life. He loved the Lord and enjoyed teaching the Bible to new believers, as well as strengthening people in their faith. His passion for learning and studying God's word was evident throughout his life.

In his spare time, Ashton was always engaged in activities. He was a skilled handyman, known for building additions on two homes and fixing anything that needed repair. He found joy in flying model airplanes and had an impressive collection of his own creations. Additionally, Ashton indulged in his fascination with model trains and was in the process of building a train track around a replica of his beloved hometown. He also enjoyed paintball, competitive shooting, skeet shooting, and fishing. Ashton even restored a small fishing boat, dreaming of spending peaceful hours on the lake, catching fish. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, camping, and spending quality time with his family at the lake.

Ashton is survived by his loving wife, Betty Ann Roby (Zhorela), his son Kevin James Roby, his daughter Becky Ann Roby, and his sisters Jolene Searle and Karen Woody. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who will cherish his memory.

Ashton will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to us all.

Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am there ye may be also. John 14:1-3