Richard H. Ashley

Richard H. Ashley

Age 57 of Joliet, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2020 at his home.

Born August 25, 1963 in Harvey, Illinois, Richard was a son of Noah Ashley and Susan (Casler) Griffith. He was raised and educated in Park Forest and graduated from Rich East High School with the class of 1981. Rich attended Joliet Junior College and then went on to Southern Illinois University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in horticulture. Being a believer in education and wanting to expand his expertise, Rich attended University of Wisconsin in Madison at the age of 40 and earned a master’s degree in Library Science. With his new degree, Rich became the director of the Fossil Ridge Library in Braidwood. Outside of his work, Rich also had a passion for cooking and baking. He used that as a great excuse to get to play host and loved to entertain and feed his family and friends. Rich will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Rich is survived by his spouse and best friend: Kevin Eberhard; mother: Susan Griffith; brother: William (Jean) Ashley; sister: Kathleen (Ed) Jillson; niece: Elizabeth Ashley; nephews: Dan, Jason and Zach Jillson, and his feline babies: Obie, Puck, Rudy and Sookie.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents: Dorothy and Harry Cornell.

Per Rich’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

Family will receive relatives and friends for a public memorial visitation on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road in Joliet. Following the visitation a private memorial service will begin. Guests wishing to attend the service may do so by viewing the livestream that will be available at the time of service. Due to COVID 19 restrictions a capacity of 25 guests are allowed at a time and masks and social distancing practices are required.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made as gifts in Rich’s memory to the American Heart Association.