Nettie Ashelman

Nettie B. Ashelman, 94 of Warren, OH, died at the home of her son in Medina, OH., Tuesday morning July 3, 2012. She was born in Mesopotamia, OH, the daughter of Ralph B. and Hattie (Wilcox) Staib on January 8, 1919.

She was a graduate of 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. Her second career was serving on the Trumbull County Board of Elections retiring at age 89, but continued to serve on many civic boards and committees. Nettie was an esteemed longtime dedicated member of Warren's 1st 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 being; 1993 - Voted One of the Most Influential Women in Mahoning Valley, 1999 - Governor's Service Award, 2005- Shepherd of the Valley's Legacy Award For Volunteer Work, 2005 - Voted one of the Top 25 Women of Influence in Trumbull Co., 2006 - Ohio Senatorial Citation for Outstanding Service from Tim Grendell, State Senator, and in 2006 - Ohio Federation of Republican Women's Senior Hall of Fame. When she retired she received Accommodation Awards from Secretary of State, Kenneth Blackwell, Attorney General Jim Petro and the Ohio House of Representatives, Rep. Randy Law.

Mrs. Ashleman has been very active in the Republican Party since 1965 serving as a Precinct Committee Person and a member of the Executive Committee, Also she was a member of Warren's Republican Women's Club since 1966 having served as their President, Secretary and for 30 years their Membership Chairman and 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 7 year term under the Chairmanship of Bob Bennett as the State Central Committee Woman to the 32nd Senatorial District. Nettie was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #278 since 1960 and serving as the Americanism Chairman for 25 years, and for the past 30 years 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 over 3 decades, and the Trumbull Co. Historical Society. Nettie was a founding member of the Historic Perkins Homestead Neighborhood Assoc. 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 4 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 hardy laugh and love of family and friends will be missed by all, especially her family son, James E. McCreanor and wife Suzan of Medina, OH., as well as her 5 grandchildren and their families including her 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister and husbands, James B. McCreanor in 1957, Donald C. Ashelman in 1978.

Services will be held at the 1st Presbyterian Church, Warren, OH, Friday, July 6, 2012 at noon, with Rev. Rusty Cowden officiating. Calling hours are Thursday, July 05, 2012 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the McFarland & Son Funeral Home, Warren, OH. and Friday, July 06, 10:00 am - 12:00pm in the parlor of the church. Committal services and internment will follow in Champion Township Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services Co., 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481. Please 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 Co. Republican Party. PO Box 428 Girard, OH 44428, or the 1st Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning Ave. N.W. Warren, OH 44483, or the Harriet Taylor Upton Association, PO. Box 847, Warren, Ohio 44482. To view Nettie's video tribute, please click: http://videos.lifetributes.com/317144