Monongah teacher/custodian, North Marion principal Judd Ashcraft passes away

Troy Judson "Judd" Ashcraft, 69, who taught math at Monongah High and was the school custodian and retired in 2009 as North Marion principal, passed away Sunday at his Idamay home.

 

Troy "Judd" Ashcraft

Judd’s surviving children and mates are Erin & Ricky Brumfield, Cortney & Jonathan Caldwell, Matthew, Jordan, Bree, Devynee and McKayley Ashcraft. Surviving sisters, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in law are Jewell Ann Zickefoose, Joy & Pete Jones, Bethea Edmonds, Nina & Jed Dewey and Cathy & Larry Armentrout.

Judd’s brother, Richard Ashcraft, passed away in 2015 in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Their parents were Alfred Ashcraft and Clantha Toothman Ashcraft. Their siblings were Jewell Ann Zickafoose and Joy L. Jones.

 

 

 

Mindy Goush Tossone,  who was a student at Monongah High and North Marion and lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, wrote:

“I'm 54 years old and I was lucky enough to have many teachers make a direct impact on my life. Today I found out that one of those special people passed away. Judd Ashcraft, you were the BEST of the very best. My heart hurts for your family.

 

“You trusted me all those years ago to babysit your children especially Tara. I know I'm not alone in saying .... you were not only an awesome math teacher but also an awesome friend to students and teachers from Monongah and North Marion.

 

“Rest In Peace! Mr. Ashcraft.”

My sister, Jackie Olesky Straight, Class of 1955, who lives in Rivesville, has memories of Judd:

“John, when I was teaching at North Marion in late 80's to 1994, Judd was assistant principal and called me to sub for various teachers.  I was at NM for semesters at a time for sick teachers, pregnant/new mothers, and for my sister-in-law Jennie Yost who missed a lot because of her MS. 

“I did not know he was ill and was surprised to see his name in the obits!  RIP, Judd. 

“Jackie”

 

Smith Funeral Home in Morgantown is handling Mr. Ashcraft’s arrangements.

Judd’s obituary:

Troy Judson Ashcraft, 69, of Idamay, was called home by the Lord on August 6th, 2017 after his battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/bulbar onset /Lou Gehrig's disease). 

He was born December 26, 1947, a son of the late Alfred "Mickey" and Clantha Toothman Ashcraft.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his daughter, Tara Ashcraft Price; his brother and sister-in-law, Richard & Renae Ashcraft; his brothers-in-law, Bernie Zickefoose, Roy Edmonds, and Bruce Johnston; and his nephews, David M. Dewey and Stacy Armentrout.

Judd is survived by his wife, Stephanie Johnston Ashcraft, whom he married August 1, 1974 in Salt Lake Temple in Utah; their children, Erin & Ricky Brumfield, Cortney & Jonathan Caldwell, Matthew, Jordan, Bree, Devynee, and McKayley Ashcraft; his sisters, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in law, Jewell Ann Zickefoose, Joy & Pete Jones, Bethea Edmonds, Nina & Jed Dewey, and Cathy & Larry Armentrout; his grandchildren, Sidney and Trevin Price (and their father, Ryan), Kyan, McKel, Tacy, and Asher Brumfield, & Lucas and Caden Caldwell; his nieces and nephews, Jill & Fred Jenkins, Rusty and Taff Zickefoose, Angela & Michael Watson, Denise Jacoby, John & Xiaoli Jones, Jennifer & David Butcher,  Michelle & Dave Abrahamson, Michael & Becca Dewey, Chris & Kim Armentrout, Daniel Armentrout; his great nieces and nephews, Taylor & Katie Jenkins,  Jillian & Aaron Wentworth, Ian, Nikolai, and Klara Politanoff, Elizabeth Bronson, Avina Roberts , Kira Jones, Tristen Butcher,  David T. Dewey, Conor Cardwell, Chase Dewey, Kennedy, Carter, Sadie Belle, Alex, Connor, Trey, and Madelyn Armentrout;  a great great nephew, Elias Jenkins; and many more treasured family and friends.

Judd was a graduate of Farmington High School, Class of 1965. With his degrees from Fairmont State and West Virginia University, he spent his life working as an educator and administrator.  Judd began his career teaching math at Fairview High School, Largo High School in Maryland, Monongah High School, North Marion High School, Pierpont Community & Technical College, and Fairmont State University.  He then entered administration, and spent many years as an assistant principal at North Marion High School before becoming the principal of Fairmont Senior High School.  Finally, Judd returned to North Marion as Principal, until he retired in 2009. Since retirement, he remained active in education as a substitute teacher in Marion County.

While still a young man, Judd was given a blessing that he "would influence many souls for the Lord". Throughout his life, he strengthened his testimony and increased in knowledge and understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He held the Priesthood and served in many advising and leadership callings as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints. Judd believed that his mission in this life was to build an eternal family and to live in a way that was pleasing to his earthly and Heavenly Parents.  

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 9th from 2-8pm for visitation at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 165 Meadowdale Road in Fairmont, WV. On Thursday, August 10th, Judd will lay in repose for one hour prior to the 1pm funeral service also at the Church. He will then be laid to rest at the Shinnston Memorial Cemetery & Mausoleum.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the many acts of kindness that have been shown.

Professional services are under the direction of Smith Funeral & Cremation Care, 108 Holland Ave., Morgantown.