Rev.Wendell P. Ashby Ii

Rev. Wendell Ashby, 73, of 601 Turner Place, Ithaca, NY went home to be with his
Lord November 3, 2016. He was the son of the late Wendell Ashby and Evelyn
Struzinski. He was also predeceased by his step father George Struzinski and two
brothers, Robert Ashby and George Struzinski. Wendell is survived by his wife of 39
years, Earlona (Andrews) Ashby; daughter, Arianne Ashby; son and daughter in-law,
Jonathan and Amy Ashby and much loved grandchildren, Ethan and Madison. His
extended family includes in-laws: Ronalda Andrews; Amy and Wayne Westmiller;
Carrie Struzinski. Wendell also leaves behind a nephew, Jeffrey Westmiller; nieces,
Melissa Westmiller and Evelyn Struzinski, as well as a great niece and great
- nephew, Laylyn and Chase.
Wendell began his ministry in the early 1960's working with a youth group called
"Cheshire Teens" in Cheshire, CT. He remained in touch with some from this group
even after his stroke six years ago. He deeply felt the need to reach out and help men
who struggled with life controlling issues and substance abuse. He became involved
with Youth Challenge of Greater Hartford, a faith based rehabilitation center, in
Hartford, CT in 1970. Wendell went on to become the program director in 1978, after
having graduated from Teen Challenge Institute in Sunbury, PA.
In 1990, Wendell and his family relocated to Spencer. NY to become the director of the
Youth Challenge program in Spencer, now known as Renovation House. After his
retirement in 2008. he remained on the Pastoral Staff, as a teacher and working in the
jail ministry coordinating referrals to the program.
Pastor Wendell was a quiet man with a quirky sense of humor, who touched hundreds
of lives, giving himself up fully to help, teach and guide all those under his care. He
was a devoted husband and a great father, dividing his time between his family and a
demanding ministry. Even after his illness limited what he could do, Wendell was an
encouragement to all. Remaining firm in his faith, he gave us his humor to the end.
A celebration of his life will be held November 12, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Ithaca 1st
Assembly of God church, 197 Bostwick Rd, Ithaca, NY. Friends may call from 10:00-
11 :00 prior to the celebration. A private burial at South Hill Cemetery is planned for a
later date. In Lieu of flowers Memorial donations may be made to either
Renovation House P.O. Box 396 Spencer, NY or Hospicare of Tompkins County.
Bangs Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.

Saturday, November 12, 2016 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

First Assembly of God Church 197 Bostwick Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850

Saturday, November 12, 2016 11:00 AM

First Assembly of God Church 197 Bostwick Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850