John Cyril Ashton, 88, of Nevada Iowa, died Thursday, July 1st, 2021, at Northridge Village in Ames Iowa. John was born in Fayette, Missouri on June 4th, 1933, son of Reverend Cyril and Margaret Ashton. He is survived by the love of his life, Joann Belle Ashton, and his children, Lory and Larry Chaplin of Ottumwa,Iowa, Heidi and Kent Jahn of Ames, Iowa, Dan Ashton of Kentland, Indiana, and Jody and Daryl Danielson of Ames, Iowa. John is also survived by his grandchildren Gretchen and Joshua Bertram, Stephanie and Carlos Troncoso, Jason Danielson, Lane and Justine Jahn, Jacob Ashton, Kyle and Christy Chaplin, Alex and Kristina Danielson, John Ashton, James Ashton, and Jody Ashton. John is also survived by his great-grandchildren Carlos Troncoso, Anella Troncoso, Kaiden Bertram, Reyna Bertram, Ayden Kositz, Iven Troncoso, Isaac Jahn, Ethan Danielson, Norah Chaplin, Livy Danielson, Caius Ashton, Mary Chaplin, Vivian Chaplin, Eliza Jahn, Adelaide Jahn, Henry Danielson and Ignatius Chaplin. Margaret Youngstrom and Dorothy Lambert are John's surviving sisters. John served in the army, stationed in Alaska during the Korean war. John and Joann spent their first two years of marriage living in Alaska. John was a passionate advocate for education and he loved history. He received his bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a minor in Economics and History from Morningside University. His first teaching job was in Hawarden, Iowa as a business teacher. During his summers, he worked on his master's degree. He received his degree from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion in Education Administration. He became a high school principal and worked for schools throughout Iowa. He loved giving children life-changing experiences, whether they were his own children, his grandchildren, or his students. Some of his students had never been out of their town or state. Some had never experienced a city. He pushed teachers to dream bigger and reach further. He encouraged field trips and overnight trips and always accompanied the travelers. He wanted kids to experience places instead of just reading about them. He showed them the city lights of Chicago, historical Mount Rushmore and many other places and states. He rode the buses and talked to students about what they would see. He told stories and pointed out landmarks on the way. He never needed a guide because he took the lead. John encouraged and led the development of new sports programs for girls and hosted a foreign exchange student. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the foreign exchange program and was always excited to help foreign students experience America. In his fifties, John returned to college one more time and became a nursing home administrator for the Good Samaritan Society. His skills of business, education and administration merged to launch his most rewarding job, taking care of nursing home residents. He had the utmost strict standards for respect, love and support for his people. He received awards for his adherence to state medical protocol, support staff and cleanliness. He loved how he could support residents in their faith journey as well as their life journey. John was a lay leader for the United Methodist Church. He involved the community, church, and the residents' families with everything he did. He held the resident's hands and reassured them. He made them laugh and worked to stimulate their minds with programs, scripture, art and music. He lost many nurses and janitors to universities because he encouraged them to follow their dream and further their education. John was deeply spiritual and loved his wife, Joann, more than life. He put family first and supported their dreams and education. He showed interest in every grandchild, attending every birthday, graduation or special event that he could while he was healthy. He was truly proud of each and every child. John and Joann visited every state, Mexico and Canada, as well as most of Europe. They often invited their children to join them on their glorious adventures and travels. John, our Northern Star, will be missed by family and friends for his laughter, teasing and dry humor. We were blessed to have had him in our lives. A visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, July 5 at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada. A funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 6 at the Nevada First United Methodist (1036 7th Street) in Nevada with Pastor Mike Carey officiating. Burial will follow at the Nevada Municipal Cemetery in Nevada. Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rasmussonfh.com