HAROLD DUTCH ASHDOWN
Harold “Dutch” Ashdown, 84, of Coldwater, passed away as a result of an auto accident on August 8, 2019 in Spring Arbor, MI. Dutch was born to Harold and Florence (Craig) Ashdown of Union City, MI on January 21, 1935. After graduating from Union City High School in 1953, he worked at Dancer’s department store and the Star Mobile Home Company as a salesman. Dutch then attended Western Michigan University in the ROTC program, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in business.

On April 1959, he married Marilyn “Jill” Lewis of Battle Creek. While in the army, Harold and Marilyn moved to Ft. Riley, KS, where he was an adjutant in the First Infantry Division. Upon returning to Michigan, he attended Cooley Law School. He left law school to purchase the local Chrysler dealership, which he owned until the early 80s. During this time, children, Lisa (1966) and David (1969) were born. Harold was a private pilot, and the family enjoyed flying out to dinner or on vacation.

After selling the Chrysler franchise he briefly converted vans, worked as a salesman for Eric Henkel Lincoln Mercury, Max Larsen Ford, and drove a Special Education bus for Coldwater Community Schools. Dutch also began buying rental properties. After retiring, he purchased Koshar Estates, a modular home community in Marcellus, MI.

Dutch is survived by his daughter, Lisa (Michael) Renshaw and granddaughter Mackenzie (Max) Renshaw all of Coldwater; his son David (Jesse Trowbridge) Ashdown and granddaughter Allison Ashdown all of Coldwater; brothers-in-law Gene (Susan) Lewis of Battle Creek, and Pete (Claudia) Lewis of Frankfort, sister-in-law Elaine Lewis of Menominee, brother Donald Ashdown of Lansing and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church of Coldwater. Please bring a piece of notebook-sized paper with your best memory of Harold to be added to his memory book.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Branch Area Rescue Coalition, Erin’s Angels, Animal Aid of Branch County, the Branch District Library or U of M Cancer Center. www.dutcherfh.com




MARILYN JILL ASHDOWN
Marilyn “Jill” (Lewis) Ashdown, 81, of Coldwater, passed away as a result of an auto accident on August 8, 2019 in Spring Arbor, MI. Marilyn was born to Henry and Lillian (Sines) Lewis of Battle Creek in 1938. After graduating from Lakeview High School in 1956 she attended Western Michigan University where she earned a bachelors’ degree and later a masters’ degree in education. She married Harold “Dutch” Ashdown in 1959. Marilyn taught in Oshtemo and on the army base in Ft. Riley, KS. When she returned to Michigan she taught at Union City Schools, Dearborn Schools and Coldwater Community Schools.

When Harold and Marilyn returned to Coldwater they started a family. Daughter, Lisa (Renshaw) was born in 1966 son, David, was born in 1969. During this time, Marilyn worked at Lakeland, Edison, Washington, and Jefferson Schools and earned her Master’s Degree in Education. The highlights of her 42 year teaching career include working with State Senator Nick Smith to adopt the Young-5s program in the state of Michigan, being chosen Runner-Up for Michigan Teacher of the Year in 1987, and touching thousands of lives with her hands-on approach to teaching and learning. She served on the Branch County District Library Board, Head Start Board and countless committees.

After retiring in 2000 she joined the local hospital auxiliary, serving in many capacities, including president. She became active in the Michigan Auxiliary Hospital Association, again serving in many capacities, including president.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Michael) Renshaw and granddaughter Mackenzie (Max) Renshaw all of Coldwater; her son David (Jesse Trowbridge) Ashdown and granddaughter Allison Ashdown all of Coldwater; brothers Gene (Susan) Lewis of Battle Creek, and Pete (Claudia) Lewis of Frankfort, sister-in-law Elaine Lewis of Menominee, brother-in-law Donald Ashdown of Lansing and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church of Coldwater. Please bring a piece of notebook-sized paper with your best memory of Marilyn to be added to her memory book.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Branch Area Rescue Coalition, Erin’s Angels, Animal Aid of Branch County, the Branch District Library or U of M Cancer Center. www.dutcherfh.com