Leader Publications

Jerry’s life began on May 7, 1961, in Niles, the son of Jerry L. Mather and Geraldine Wesaw and his adoptive parents, William and Helen Ashby.

He was united in marriage to the former Cheryl M. Bowman on Dec. 5, 1981, in Dowagiac.

Jerry, 48, of Dowagiac, was a member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and very active in the tribe. He was very proud of his heritage and built homes for the tribe. He wanted the best for those who came after him. Jerry was always passionate about getting things done right.

When he was not building something, Jerry could be found enjoying his grandchildren or visiting with family.

Jerry was very dedicated to his family, which includes: his wife of 27 years, Cheryl Ashby of Dowagiac; his children, Aleasha ” Queenie” (Ed Durbin) Ashby of Decatur, Jeremy “Bouks” (Jessica) Ashby of Dowagiac,  Deanna (Zachary) Souers of Paragould, Ark., and Kevin Lillie of Dowagiac; grandchildren, Gavin “Bubba” Ashby, Sierra “Angel Butt” Durbin, Serenity “Sweet Pea” Durbin and Evan “Grandpa’s Little Man” Ashby; sisters, Debbie, Tami (Laylow), Teri and Denise; brothers,  Richard “P.J.” Ashby, Lewis “Pepe” Ashby, Nicholas “Mingo” Johnson, Brian Allen, David Hill, Joe Ashby and Michael “Chet” Ashby; sisters-in-law, Kim (Todd) Ferguson and Christina  “Ellie” (Nick) Jankoviak and Ellen Ashby; brothers-in-law, Paul “P. K.” (Tamara) Bowman and Jeff Ray; his mother-in-law, Evalene Bowman; and countless loving nieces and nephews whom he loved.

Jerry passed away Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009, at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital.
He is preceded in death by: his parents; his adoptive parents; sister, Christine Jack; brother Glen Ashby; father-in-law, Paul Bowman; and sister- in-law, Sandra Ray.
His family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, where a Pokagon drum ceremony will take place at 7 p.m.

His funeral ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home led by Pastor James Gibson.

Jerry will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery, Sister Lakes, following the funeral.

Memorials may be directed to the family in care of Cheryl.

Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Jerry at www.yazel-clark.com.