Gilbert Ashford was born at his family home in Waldron Arkansas on March 2nd, 1936. He passed away in Vacaville, California at the age 89, from congestive heart failure.

Gilbert grew up in Waldron, Arkansas. He attended Waldron High School, graduating in 1953. Gilbert attended one year of college at the University of Arkansas before moving to Corcoran, California to work as a fuel truck driver for the Salyer's Ginning Company.

Gilbert met the love of his live, Betty Harscher, in early 1956. They married in August of 1956 and soon after moved to Concord, California to work and raise a family.

They attended the Concord Free Will Baptist Church where Gilbert served as a Deacon. They later attended Fair Oaks Baptist Church in Concord. Gilbert liked to travel, and the family often drove Route 66 to visit family in Oklahoma and Arkansas. Gilbert worked for the Shell Oil Company his entire career, making adhesives used on airplanes and other military products. After retiring, Gilbert and Betty moved to Burney, California, and then Vacaville, remaining close to their children and grandchildren.

Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Mabel Ashford, his brothers Brian Ashford and Marion Ashford, and sisters Sue Reed and Rena McNeely. He leaves behind his son Mike Ashford (Marla), daughter Michele Cross (Greg), grand daugher Taylor Goodrich (Scott), great-grandchildren Landen Goodrich and Scarlett Goodrich, and his sister Margaret Hazel. Gilbert left behind many other beloved family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held in April for family.

Gilbert's family would like to extend a very special thanks to the kind and caring staff at Cogir Senior Living in Vacaville.