Gary Allen Ashby
Lansing, Michigan
Born September 30, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, son of the late Allen and Marcella (Marcus) Ashby passed away Friday, April 12, 2024, at the age of 77.
Gary graduated from St. Louis University in 1969 with a B.A. in Psychology and Theology. He went on to obtain his master’s degree in Social Work from Washington University in 1971 and obtained another master’s degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University in Chicago in 1981. Gary worked for the Diocese of Lansing for almost 20 years; first as a consultant for young adult ministry and most recently as Director of the Restorative Justice Ministry retiring in 2005. Gary served on the board of Safe & Just Michigan. Gary loved classical music, had an extensive and rich vocabulary, played very loud games of dominoes, and was an avid enjoyer of a good meal.
Surviving are his wife, Stephanie Gewirtz, whom he married on June 25, 2005, along with his two children, Allen Ashby of Toledo, OH and Ana Ashby of Minneapolis, MN.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Gail Ashby.
A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the fall of 2024.
Those who wish may make memorial contributions, in memory of Gary, to Safe & Just Michigan, 119 Pere Marquette Dr., Suite 2A, Lansing, MI 48912.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
14 Messages to “Gary Allen Ashby”
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Kim, Scott & Marjie Niblack
April 15, 2024 at 2:26 pmStephanie, so sorry for your loss. We’re thinking of you.
Margie Villarreal-Krawczyk
April 16, 2024 at 8:34 amSo sorry to hear about the passing of Gary! Prayers are with you and his family. I will forever treasure our memories together. Young Adult Ministry at the Diocese and Saturday Vigil Mass choir at Cristo Rey! May Gary rest in peace.
Linda Farmer-Lewis
April 16, 2024 at 1:23 pmGary was a highly intelligent and compassionate man, a spiritually sensitive man of faith, a man of wry humor and deep love. He faced his illness with courage and trusting faith. His love for his family -absolute. We count ourselves blessed in his friendship and will continue to be inspired by his unwavering advocacy for those whose voices have been suppressed. Well done, thou good and faithful servant of God. Your light still shines!
Love Linda and Bill
Kate McCracken
April 16, 2024 at 2:15 pmGary’s kindness, compassion and commitment to social justice will live on in the hearts of the people he inspired over the years. His dedication to the principles of restorative justice demonstrates the beauty in his heart and soul. It was a pleasure to know and work with him. He will be forever missed.
Father Jim Eisele
April 16, 2024 at 5:58 pmI remember visiting a lifers’ group in Jackson Prison as a participant in Young Adult Ministry with Gary and the great Young Adult Conferences Gary helped facilitate every year.
May he rest in Peace,
Lauren Gewirtz
April 16, 2024 at 10:03 pmIf you knew Gary (Uncle Woo Woo), you knew kindness, love, compassion, gratefulness, humor, sensitivity, and faith. We are forever thankful to have spent countless hours playing games, enjoying meals, and catching up on the big and little moments of life. We love you taller than the sun and higher than the stars. You’re our favorite.
Love, Olive, Jules, Jon, and Lauren
Amy Perugi T Ocarm
April 17, 2024 at 7:11 amI met Gary in 1996-97when I got involved with young adult ministry in the Aod for the prism conference. Gary was a great guy, colaborator, and he will be sorely missed. I was glad i saw him one last time in September of 2023. Rip Gary May our Lord hold you in the palm of his hand, May Our Lady
Comfort your family.
Carolyn Terrill
April 17, 2024 at 11:02 amStephanie so sorry to hear of Gary passing. I hope to be able to speak to you soon
ALMA DAVIS
April 18, 2024 at 2:44 pmStephanie; so sorry to hear about Gary. Knowing he is at home with our Lord is a comfort I am sure; but a loss to you heart and family. He left a legacy that hopefully others will continue, though no one could fill his shoes. He left a Christ-like impression on the people he met and served; what a wonderful witness! Thinking of you and sending strength and affection. Alma
Lisa Stechschulte
April 19, 2024 at 6:13 pmI knew Gary through young adult ministry in Diocese of Lansing. We planned many conferences and young adult events through the years. He was dedicated, kind, and will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.
Kathy Zurvalec
April 20, 2024 at 8:45 amOur condolences to Stephanie and family.
Kathie Gourlay
April 25, 2024 at 9:24 amI have known Gary for decades due to our mutual work to humanize and improve Michigan’s criminal legal system. He was a kind person, always happy to help me and others. I am sorry that he is no longer with us.
Rich Maresh
April 26, 2024 at 6:52 pmI met Gary in September of 1964, and we were nearly life-long friends. He faced medical challenges in recent years, and it finally took him. My sympathies to Stephanie. She was a hero in these past few years. Good bye, Gary.
Rev. Robert A. Higle
April 27, 2024 at 2:55 pmI am saddened to learn of Gary’s death and rejoicing in his faith and loving peserverance in how he lived out his life. Prayers of comfort and peace to his wife, Stephanie, his children, and all who will mourn his passing.
Eternal Rest Grant Unto Him
May he Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory!!!