ASHFORD, Homer Bennet “Ben” July 26, 1925 - October 19, 2013 Ben Ashford passed away at the age of 88 on Saturday, October 19, 2013 in his home in Olympia, WA.

Ben’s studies at the U of W were interrupted by his service in the army where he was in the battle for Okinawa.

After graduation, Ben began his 30 year career with the Washington State DOT, from which he retired in 1978 as the Planning Engineer.

He later worked for FEMA.

Ben is survived by his wife of 65 years, Neva; children: Don (Sara) Ashford, Darcy (Don) Newman, Denise (Phil) Campbell, Doug Ashford, Darla Ashford, Deanne Ashford; grandchildren: Grace, Noah, Clay, Eva, Raney, Woody, Emily, Ian, Andrew, Jessy, Nichole, Adam, Keirstin; great-grandchildren: Ehren, Rebecca, Lucia, Asher, Chicayne, Forrest, Lyric, Violet; and his brother Cecil Ashford.

He was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters, and grandson Dov Ashford.

A celebration of Ben’s life will be held on November 4, 2013 at 3:00 PM at the Grand Holiday Ballroom in Olympia.

As an alternative to flowers a donation can be made to Cystic Fibrosis Research (www.cfri.org).

Ben’s online memorial is at: www.woodlawnfuneralhome.com