Gerald Ash, Sr., 70

Gerald L. Ash, Sr., 70, of Mountain Home, died peacefully in his home on July 24, 2006.

Per his request, no services are planned. Arrangements are under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home.

Gerald was born on Oct. 31, 1935, in Warren, Ohio. He was the second of six children born to Benjamin and Ellen Ash. He spent his early years growing up on the family farm in Garrettsville, Ohio, and graduated from Windham High School in 1953.

Gerald joined the United States Air Force on Jan. 20, 1955. Upon returning from basic training in New York state he married Anna Emily Firtik of Windham, Ohio. They were married for 22 years and their union produced two sons, Gerald L. Ash, Jr., and Darin B. Ash. Gerald and Anna were divorced in 1978.

During his military service, Gerald was stationed in many states and countries including, New York, Texas, Japan, Washington, Michigan, Wisconsin, Libya North Africa, California, Ohio and Idaho. He retired from the Air Force in 1979 at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant and settled in Mountain Home, where he spent his remaining years.

After retiring he spent the next few years working in Saudi Arabia with Vinnell Corporation and upon returning from Saudi, he began working for the United States Post Office in Boise, where he stayed long enough to again retire in 2005.

Gerald enjoyed spending his free time in various outdoor activities including skeet shooting, hunting and water skiing. Gerald took great pride in sharing his hobbies and memories with his sons and grandsons, his family said.

Gerald is survived by: a son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Rosemary Ash of Mountain Home; a son, Darin Ash of Mountain Home, three grandsons; a brother, Bruce Ash of Warren, Ohio; a sister and brother-in-law, Marleen and Jerry Novak of Courtland, Ohio, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, two brothers and a sister.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions be made to The Ronald McDonald House, 101 Warm Springs Ave., Boise, ID 83712.