On the afternoon of Friday, November 14th, Chester Theodore “Ted” Ashby, Sr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by members of his family. He was 96 years old.
Born on March 20, 1929, in Newport News, VA to Chester and Marion Ashby, Ted was raised in a house facing the James River. He grew up in what he often described as an idyllic childhood in the company of his brothers Bert and Warren, and sisters Margaret, Frances, and Lylia—idyllic, that is, aside from the day he accidentally burned the family barn down, a story he later recounted with humor and humility.
As a teenager, Ted twice sailed to Europe as part of the Marshall Plan—an adventure that broadened his world and nurtured a lifelong curiosity. After returning home, he graduated with a major in Comparative Literature from the University of North Carolina. He went on to serve honorably as a Master Sergeant from May 1953 to August 1954 during the Korean War before answering a call to ministry by attending Union Theological Seminary in New York.
Ted dedicated his life to service in many forms. He was an ordained Methodist minister, known for his calm presence, warm smile, and genuine kindness. For many years he served the congregation of Asbury United Methodist Church in Christiansburg, VA, offering guidance, compassion, and a steady hand to all..
His commitment to helping others extended far beyond the pulpit. Ted worked as a social worker in both Roanoke, VA and Washington, DC, contributing his time and expertise to numerous agencies. He lent his leadership to organizations including Total Action Against Poverty (TAP), the Cooperative Extension of Virginia Tech, the United Way, and the Sentencing Project. In every role, Ted brought a deep sense of justice, empathy, and unwavering belief in the dignity of every person.
Ted was also an entrepreneur, running True Spokin’ bike shop in Roanoke where his patience and good humor made him a favorite among customers young and old. Regardless of his profession at any given time, Ted was known for being quick with a friendly word, always ready to help, and steadfast in his quiet generosity.
Among the many expressions that captured his gentle spirit, one of his favorites was: “How nice to do nothing and then rest afterwards.” It was a reminder to those around him to savor life’s simple moments—something Ted himself modeled beautifully.
While he and his wife, Margo, had been to such places as Taiwan, Bali, Ireland, and Paris, Ted found the Shenandoah Valley to be his favorite location. When asked what brought him joy and gave him comfort, his answer was Margo, whom he met while working in Roanoke at TAP. Happily married for over 35 years, this loving couple were an ideal match.
In addition to his beloved wife, Margo, Ted is survived by his sons Ted, Tim, Tom, and Terry; and his stepdaughters Christina and Mary Ellen. Along with all his many grandchildren, Ted played an outsized role specifically in raising his grandchild, Desiree.
Those who knew Ted will remember a man of kindness, humility, and service as well as someone with a sharp sense of humor. Ted was someone with a big heart who made the world better not through grand gestures, but through steady, daily acts of compassion. His legacy lives on in the countless people he helped, encouraged, and inspired along the way.
He will be deeply missed.
(Source: https://www.altogetherfuneral.com/obituaries/d-21022843/chester-theodore-ashby/november-2025)