Robert Arle Ashcraft's Obituary
Robert Arle Ashcraft, age 91, of Walhalla, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter, Sheri Ashcraft, on September 1, 2025. Born on December 18, 1933, in Adrian, Michigan, Robert—affectionately known as Bob—spent his formative years in Amherst, Massachusetts, and attended his beloved Northfield Mount Hermon High School, where he cultivated his love of music by singing in the choir and established, along with his brother Barr, the Ashcraft Brothers Student-Athlete Scholarship.
Bob was a passionate athlete and earned a sports and academic scholarship to Oberlin College, playing both football and soccer. It was at Oberlin where he met his first wife, Ann Voorhees. Always an adventurer, he trekked across the country on his motorcycle, sleeping in fields and working to earn his keep along the way. After graduation, Bob married Ann and they began an adventure in Kenya, with Bob teaching and coaching at Machakos Boys School in Nairobi for three years. He hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro and traveled throughout Kenya. The relationships he built there remained meaningful throughout his life and reflected his lifelong dedication to equality, civil rights, and his unwavering advocacy for fair treatment of all. He funded a scholarship for students to attend the Machakos Boys School for many years. He attained a doctorate in education from the University of Massachusetts.
In the mid-1970s, Bob settled in Walhalla, South Carolina, where he continued teaching and coaching baseball, his favorite sport. Deeply devoted to the Walhalla Presbyterian Church, he sang in the choir and contributed to the beautification of the church grounds. Bob’s zest for life was evident—he loved good food, music and dancing, and his infectious smile and willingness to help anyone in need left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Bob’s legacy is defined by his genuine warmth, his joyful embrace of community, and his commitment to family.
In October 2020, he moved in with his daughter Sheri, cherishing time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Sheri Ashcraft; his daughter-in-law, Suzana Simoes; grandchildren, Tatiana and Jake Ashcraft; and his siblings, Pete Ashcraft, Wesley Wentworth, Steve Wentworth and Sylvia Ryan. Bob is predeceased by his parents, Wesley and Pearl Wentworth and his brothers, Barr and Blake Ashcraft. A memorial service will be held on September 14, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m. (with eulogy and prayer at 5 p.m.) at the home of Sheri Ashcraft in Miami Shores. For information please email https://[email protected] or text 786.223.5225.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Walhalla Presbyterian Church, 600 E Main St, Walhalla, SC 29691, or to a charity of your choice.
Sheri Ashcraft is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Robert A. Ashcraft Memorial Service
Time: Sep 14, 2025 04:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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