Robert Leland Ashley

Robert Leland Ashley, age 77, of Santa Rosa, New Mexico passed away at his home on July 17, 2009. Leland (Bob) was born on August 30, 1931 in Albion, Illinois. Shortly thereafter Bob and his family moved to Sparta, Illinois where he continued to live until age eighteen. Leland (Bob) was one of eleven children born to James and Lela Ashley. He enjoyed annual trips back to Sparta and visits from parents and other family members. Health concerns prohibited long visits and in recent years, Leland has been unable to travel. Bob, as friends and coworkers knew him in Santa Rosa was known as a good neighbor and good friend. His reputation as a knowledgeable and dedicated worker is something in which he took much pride. In recent years he visited the local senior center in Santa Rosa and continued to develop many lasting friendships with both staff and local citizens. After completing High School, Leland moved from Sparta to Albuquerque, New Mexico for health reasons. While in Albuquerque, he attended business school and upon graduation began working for the Army Corp of Engineers. He worked on various projects in the southwest including El Paso, Texas, Roswell, New Mexico, Wichita Falls, Texas, Corpus Christi, Texas and Santa Rosa, New Mexico. His last project was on the Santa Rosa Lake Dam. He retired in 1982 and enjoying the people and the area chose to make Santa Rosa his home. Leland was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Marcella (Junior) Henderson of Sparta, Iva Mae(Robert) Estoppey of Centralia, and Doris (Don) Wahl of Walsh and three brothers; James (Corinne) Ashley, Eugene (Wanda) Ashley both of Sparta and Bill (Betty) Ashley of Steeleville. He is survived by one sister, Georgia (Willis) Rezba of Sparta and three brothers; Reverend Roger (Eldonna) Ashley of Zanesfield, Ohio, Carl (Linda) Ashley of Ventura, California and Donald (Carol) Ashley of Sparta. Leland is also survived by many nieces and nephews in several states as well as friends within his home community of Santa Rosa. Funeral services will be held at Chavez Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24th . Interment will be in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third Street; Santa Rosa, NM. (575)472-3369. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book, visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com