Robert D. Hetrick

Robert D. 'Bob' Hetrick, 84, of Ashland passed away early Friday morning, September 22, 2023 in University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center. Bob was born November 4, 1938 in Rimersburg, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Henry and Mary (nee Sanford) Hetrick. Following his high school graduation, he went on to become a tool and die maker. Bob retired after more than 17 years from the Ford Motor Company and was previously employed at the General Hone Company in Ashland, starting in 1975. He was a member of the Sullivan Congregational Church. Throughout his life, he loved his family and enjoyed playing, softball, hunting, fishing and archery. Bob was always looking for a bargain at a garage sale and day-old donuts at the local bakeries. He was also a volunteer at hospice in Ashland and their winter home in New Port Richey, Florida. Bob is survived by his wife of 12 years, Janice Hetrick of Ashland; three sons, Robert (Dee Dee) Hetrick of Townsend, Tennessee, Tom (Karen) Hetrick of Ashland, and Ken (Janet) Hetrick of Elyria; one daughter, Laura (Gary) Hart of Ashland; two stepsons, Bill (Terri) Yeley of Ashland and Steven (Chris) Yeley of Savannah; 11 grandchildren, Carla (Sam) Pennington, Matthew (Jackie) Hetrick, Michael (Kayla) Hetrick, Kaitlynne (James) Yancy, Cassy (Greg) Riggleman, Bradley Hetrick, Emily Hetrick, Josh (Dakota) Hart, Justin (Bre) Hart, Nick (Hannah Boyer) Yeley, and Colton (Megan) Zeigler; 14 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Clara (Russ) Lanning of Columbia Station. In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his first wife of over 50 years, Arlene (nee Miller) Hetrick who passed away on April 8, 2009; three sisters, Stella, Nancy, and Sally; and four brothers, Bill, Jerry, Dave, and Jim. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral home with The Reverend George Mayes presiding. Following the service, a meal and time of fellowship will be held at the Ray and Joan Kroc Center in Ashland. Interment will be in the Ashland County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 112 Harcourt Rd. #3, Mt Vernon, OH 43050. Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements. For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home's website at denbowfh.com