WARREN - Nettie B. Ashelman, 94, of Warren, died Tuesday, July 3, 2012, at her son's Medina home.
She was born Jan. 8, 1919, in Mesopotamia, the son of Ralph B. and Hattie Wilcox Staib.
She was graduated from Mesopotamia High School and worked for General Electric Ohio Lamp Works right out of high school, where she retired as their longest-term employee after 50 1/2 years.
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Nettie Ashelman
Her second career was serving on the Trumbull County Board of Elections, retiring at age 89, but she continued to serve on many civic boards and committees.
Nettie was an esteemed, longtime, dedicated member of Warren's First Presbyterian Church, where she had served as a deacon.
As a Warren icon for community service and volunteerism, Nettie was acknowledged many times for her tireless endeavors. Some awards included being voted as one of the Most Influential Women in the Mahoning Valley (1993), Governor's Service Award (1999), Shepherd of the Valley's Legacy Award For Volunteer Work (2005), one of the Top 25 Women of Influence in Trumbull County (2005), Ohio Senatorial Citation for Outstanding Service from Tim Grendell, State Senator (2006), and Ohio Federation of Republican Women's Senior Hall of Fame (2006).
When she retired, she received commendation from Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, Attorney General Jim Petro and the Ohio House of Representatives, by Rep. Randy Law.
Mrs. Ashelman has been very active in the Republican Party since 1965, serving as a precinct committee person and a member of the Executive Committee. She was a member of Warren's Republican Women's Club since 1966, having served as their president, secretary and their membership chairman for 30 years.
She was a member of the Giddings Republican Club, serving as secretary and president in 1970, and a member of the Mahoning Valley McKinley Republican Club since 1970, serving as president, vice president and their banquet chairperson up until her death.
She was elected to serve a seven-year term under the chairmanship of Bob Bennett as the state central committeewoman to the 32nd Senatorial District.
Nettie was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 278 since 1960 and served as the Americanism chairman for 25 years. For the past 30 years, she was an interviewer and selector of delegates for Buckeye Girls State.
She was a Cardinal Member of Ohio Federation of Republican Women and was appointed to the Mahoning Valley Labor Citizens Committee by then-Congressman Lyle Williams, where she served for 25 years.
Her strong commitment to civic duty was evident with her involvement with the Warren YWCA, YWCA Town Hall Lecture Series Committee, the American Cancer Society for more than three decades, and the Trumbull County Historical Society.
Nettie was a founding member of the Historic Perkins Homestead Neighborhood Association and the Harriet Taylor Upton Association Board of Directors, where she worked tirelessly for many years. She was also involved with the Warren Civic Music Association Board of Directors for four decades, Warren Jr. Military Band, Warren Philharmonic Orchestra's Board of Directors and financial supporter, Shepherd of the Valley Legacy Committee, where she was appointed 2006, and an Animal Welfare League financial supporter.
Nettie's hearty laugh and love of family and friends will be missed by all, especially her family, son, James E. (Suzan) McCreanor of Medina, as well as her five grandchildren and their families, including her five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her sister; and husbands, James B. McCreanor in 1957 and Donald C. Ashelman in 1978.
Services will be held at noon Friday at the First Presbyterian Church in Warren, with the Rev. Rusty Cowden officiating. Calling hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the McFarland & Son Funeral Home and two hours prior to services at the church parlor. Committal services and interment will follow in Champion Township Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services Co., 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, OH 44481. Visit www.mcfarlandcares.com to view this obituary, send condolences, and order flowers.
Contributions may be made to the Warren's Republican Women's Club, c/o Trumbull County Republican Party, PO Box 428, Girard, OH 44428, or the First Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren, OH 44483, or the Harriet Taylor Upton Association, PO. Box 847, Warren, OH 44482.
(special notice)