Richard Ray Ashford of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Sunday evening, November 21, 2010, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital in Blackwell at the age of 62 years.

Richard Ray Ashford was born on March 9, 1948, in Chickasha, Oklahoma to Owen and Imogene Ashford. Richard attended elementary school in Middleberg, Oklahoma, and then completed school in Blanchard, Oklahoma, graduating from Blanchard High School in 1966. Following his education he entered the Armed Forces and served his country in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1971. On April 10, 1974, Richard married Fonda Wofford in Purcell, Oklahoma. Richard and Fonda lived in Blanchard, Oklahoma, where they raised their children and cattle. In 1986 they moved to Blackwell, where Richard managed the Blackwell Sale Barn for five years and enjoyed working with the people in the community.
Richard laughed the most while watching his grandkids play in his backyard or when one of the little ones climbed in his lap. He loved to watch and talk about sports and was very proud that his grandkids like sports. He particularly loved to watch and coach softball.
Richard was no stranger to hard work, which usually involved working cattle. He loved to go on long drives looking at wheat, cattle and visiting with his best friend and wife, Fonda.

Richard is survived by his wife and best friend, Fonda Ashford of Blackwell, Oklahoma; one son, Sam Ashford and wife Heidi of Blackwell; three daughters, Sherri Sheehy and husband Chris of Purcell, Oklahoma; Amanda Petty and husband Matt of Grove, Oklahoma, and Robbie Kuykendall and husband Caleb of Fort Worth, Texas. Richard was very proud of his ten grandchildren, Seth Sheehy, Megan Sheehy, Faith Ashford, Lydia Ashford, Emily Ashford, Channing Kuykendall, Avery Petty, Asher Kuykendall, Owen Ashford and Mallory Petty.
He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 24th in the First Christian Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Jeff Koch of the First Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery with military rites performed by the Blackwell American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Honorary casketbearers will be Allen Aldridge, Robert Peetoom, Harold Paul Reed, Max Ruggs, Bill Hamer, Jimmy Jack Biffle, Brad Wofford, David Wofford and Fred LeValley. Serving as casketbearers will be Aaron Aldridge, Ryan Peetoom, Travis Peetoom, Mike Wofford, Don Priboth and Larry Burtner.

A memorial has been established in his honor with the Lady Maroon Softball Booster Club in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.