DONALD A. ASHCRAFT

Donald A. Ashcraft was born on a farm 10 miles southeast of Matheson, CO to Fred and Fern Ashcraft on August 24th 1935. The doctor was his Grandmother Sadie Ashcraft. Donald passed away with family near his side on May 20, 2023, at Lincoln Community Nursing home in Hugo, CO. At approximately 11:30 AM, he left this life to be with the Lord.

He grew up in the same area southeast of Matheson, went to school at Columbine, Cheyenne, Central and graduated from Big Sandy high school in 1953.

He started out farming and milking cows with his dad and brother. He met Shirley Oller on Friday October 13, 1959, and they were married on May 29, 1960. They made their home southeast of Matheson, where he spent a few years milking and selling the milk and cream in Matheson.

He sold his milk cows to purchase more land to start farming, ranching and raising his family. They have 4 daughters Virlynda Ashcraft of Limon, CO. - Debrah Ashcraft of Matheson, CO - Marilyn (Scotty) Bushong of Matheson, CO - Sherri (Chad) Elliott of Garden City, KS.

He lacked 9 days from celebrating their 63 years of marriage.

Donald and Shirley have 4 grandchildren Derrik (Sky) Dean of Limon, CO- Jalissa (Jerami) Morris ofHugo,CO - Brice Elliott of Garden City, KS - Aaron Elliott of Scott City, KS. - 2 great grandchildren Aspyn and Kamryn Morris of Hugo, CO- 4 step great grandchildren Taylor Morris, Baylee and Rylee Kelly, Braylee Pharo.

He served 10 years on Limon COOP board, 10 years on Elbert County Land use board, 3 years on Elbert board of adjustments and Elbert County ASCS board.

He retired from farming in 2013 for back issues, he missed farming and driving the tractor to see the dirt freshly turned over. He stated “the best crops came from plowing and opening the ground up to soak up moisture”. In 2019 his health started to decline more,they then purchased a house in Hugo, CO and then moved to town. They purchased a house that still gave them country life views of cattle and wildlife out their front window.

He is preceded in death by his parents Fred, Fern Ashcraft, brother Glenn Ashcraft and infant sister Janet.

He is survived by his wife Shirley Ashcraft, daughters: Virlynda Ashcraft, Debrah Ashcraft, Marilyn Bushong, Sherri Elliott, sister Bonnie (Phil) Holler of Texas, 4 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and 4 step great grandchildren as well as numerous family and friends.