Graveside services for Raymond J. Ashton, 93, Kirbyville, Mo. will be held Monday Mar. 9, 10 AM at Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson, Mo.  Raymond entered into rest on Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2026. Services are under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, Branson, Mo.

Raymond Joe Ashton was born Oct. 5, 1932, at Protem,  Mo. to Rex L. and Opal G. (Brown) Ashton.  He married the love of his life, Jackie Berniece Pride in Harrison, Ark. Aug. 31, 1950. To this marriage they were blessed with two children.

Raymond worked hard at many different occupations during his life, the one he was most proud of was his job at White River Electric, where he was part of the digger crew. He retired from  White River Valley Electric Cooperative in 1994. 

He made many great memories with his three grandchildren on the farm. Raymond taught them about the outdoors, and livestock.  Raymond always had cattle and loved to take care of his farm, but his greatest enjoyment was horses. He always had registered fox trotters which he showed and rode.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Berniece who passed in 2009, and two sisters, Helen and Lois.

Raymond is survived by his two children and their spouses, Randy and Vicki Ashton of Collins Mo., Terry and Stephen Berkstresser of Kirbyville and two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren .

He was an important part of the local farming community and was known throughout the county. He will be missed greatly by friends, family and those fortunate enough to have known him. 

Visitation will be held Sunday, Mar. 8, 2026, from 6-7PM at Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, Branson, Mo.