Larry Ashley

Wetmore

 Larry A. Ashley, age 68, of Wetmore and formerly of Holly, Michigan, died unexpectedly Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Munising Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. He was born in Flint, Michigan to the late Hugh and Patricia (Smith) Ashley on April 5, 1956. Larry grew up in Holly and graduated from Holly High School in 1974. While in school, he was a standout track star excelling in hurdles and pole vault. And between his speed on the track, and the way he would stock the shelves at the grocery store he worked at, his friends named him “Flash”. Larry married Linda L. Harding on May 6, 1978 and together they raised their four children. Larry was a skilled craftsman and builder. He built, fixed, sided, repaired, and improved countless homes and businesses in Holly and Munising. He never had to advertise, because his quality work got him all the referrals he needed. Larry passed these skills along to his children as they worked at his side. One of his favorite builds was his “log cabin” he built. The home Larry built along with his family started in 1984 where he cut and milled the logs. In 2001 the home was “finished” and the family moved to the U.P. in 2005. Larry loved the outdoors. He raced in the AuSable River Canoe Marathon with his longtime friend Bruce Foss. He loved hunting, fishing, foraging for mushrooms and berries, bird hunting with his Labrador retrievers, and hunting for agates. He also enjoyed making fireworks for family gatherings and celebrations, but his favorite part of fireworks was sneaking away to light one off and surprise everyone with a boom! Larry could be described as being shy, but he loved to hold a great conversation, often times not letting the visit end. He had a good sense of humor, and his “dad jokes” were strong. Larry loved his animals and had a strong faith in God. 

 He is survived by his wife – Linda Ashley; children – Amelia Ashley, Emma Goett, Ann Ashley, and Jonathan Ashley; grandkids – Cate and Ben; siblings – Jeff Ashley, James (Lesia) Ashley, and Janice (Curtis) Coleman, and numerous nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his parents Hugh and Patricia and his infant sister Angel Ashley.

 A Celebration of Life will be held at the house on Saturday, October 5, beginning at 2:00pm with a proper party to follow. Everyone is welcome (including your campers!) at our log home on Powell Lake Road.