Michael Thomas Ashby

On Nov. 5, 2021, Michael Thomas Ashby passed away due to heart failure at the age of 66.

Mike was born in Mesa, Ariz., on Oct. 2, 1955. He was raised in Shafter, where he went to school, played football and met Charlene, his wife of 45 years.

In 1978. Mike began work in the oil fields. He worked in extreme temperatures day and night. He was often called in the middle of the night to come out and "cap" a well. But he loved his job, and after 26 years, he retired due to a work injury.

Mike loved and honored our military servicemen. He loved hunting, fishing, camping and football. Most of all, he loved his family. He especially loved going to the beach, where he and his grandkids would spend hours riding ATVs in the sand dunes and then return to the campsite and a nice, warm campfire. Spending time with family were his happiest moments.

He is survived by his parents, Riley and Faye; his wife, Charlene; children Summer, Jeremy and Joshua (Jennifer); grandchildren Jacob and Adrian Gomez, and Jacob Schauer; and sister Donna.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on Monday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 2550 Jewetta Ave., Bakersfield.

Michael's ashes will be placed in Shafter Memorial Park Cemetery during a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Honorflightkerncounty.org