HURON — Eugene “Gene” Ashby, 79, of Huron, formerly of Woonsocket, passed away Monday, April 30, 2018, at the SunQuest Healthcare Center in Huron. 
His graveside service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, May 5, at the St. Martins Cemetery in Huron. Visitation will be from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Welter Funeral Home in Huron, with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m., and a prayer service at 7 p.m.  
Eugene Ashby, the son of Robert and Bertha (Schulte) Ashby, was born February 20, 1939, in Mitchell. He grew up and attended school in Woonsocket. Gene worked for the Armour Meatpacking Plant in Huron for many years before retiring. Gene was also self-employed as a handyman and did handy work for Montgomery Real Estate and managed his own properties. Gene also served in the National Guard for many years.
Eugene met Judith Cantonwine and they were married December 2, 1961, at St. Martin’s Church in Huron, where the couple made their home. Eugene was a member of St. Martin’s and Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Huron. He was a member of the American Motorcycle Association and the NRA for over 40 years. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, making many trips to the Black Hills, spending time with his family and friends; especially his grandchildren. He was a gifted craftsman, making keychains, knives and money clips from cut coins and other materials.
Grateful for having shared in Eugene’s life are his wife, Judy of Huron; two sons, Jeff (Kerri) Ashby of Rapid City, and Anthony Ashby of North Carolina; six grandchildren, Jordan (Danica) Hoffman, Erin (Nathan) Reginato, Elise Ashby, Emarah Ashby, Epiphany Ashby, and Noah Ashby; three great-grandchildren, Josiah, Ella, and Emmie Hoffman; brother, Charles (Teri) Ashby of Wisc.; sister, Janice Merrick of Sioux Falls; and several nieces and nephews.
Eugene was preceded in death his parents; and three sisters, Rose, Elizabeth, and Mary.
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Paid Obituary