David A. Ashby, 86, of Gilbert, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Westhaven Community in Boone.

Funeral services for David Ashby will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Gilbert Lutheran Church, 135 School Street, in Gilbert, with Pastor Gary Selof officiating.

Visitation for David Ashby will begin at 1:00 PM and continue until time of the service at the church on Sunday afternoon.

David Allen Ashby was born April 3, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska, to David and Wanda (Holtmyer) Ashby. He was raised and educated in Elliott, Iowa, and graduated from Elliott High School. He attended the University of Omaha and, later, the University of Iowa and majored in instrumental music.

David was united in marriage to Ann Giltner in Elliott, Iowa, on June 1, 1963. The couple made their home in Gilbert, Iowa, their entire married life.

On February 2, 1963, David began his teaching career at Gilbert High School as high school band instructor. He later earned his Masters in high school administration and later, his elementary administration from Drake University. He spent the balance of his working career as Gilbert Elementary Principal, retiring following the 2000-2001 school year.

David continued to make music his hobby and pastime, playing in church and accompanying the Visionary Group on piano, along with playing trumpet in the Ames Municipal Band, Judge Story Theatrical Group, and Heart of Iowa Band. He even composed a number of Christian songs on keyboard.

David loved his church, his family, and his school district. He was not only well loved by faculty and friends, but by his children and grandchildren. The family enjoyed a number of trips, including Dollywood, Kansas City, Ohio and New York City. He and Ann also traveled as a couple and with friends to Hawaii, Colorado and took in an Alaskan cruise. The couple also wintered in Arizona for 8 years.

David was a longtime member of Grace Bible Church in Gilbert, where he played piano, served as an elder and taught Bible studies.

David will be remembered as a prankster, and a man with a great sense of humor. He was well loved and respected by his employees, and spoke frequently of his career ambition, that he "wanted every child to succeed."

David is survived by his wife, Ann, of Gilbert; his children, Sue Walsh of Ames and Mark (Karla) Ashby of Boone; his grandchildren, Hannah Walsh of Minneapolis, Danielle Walsh of Ames, Alycia West of Ames, Michael (Heather) Ashby of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Logan (Jordan) Ashby of St. Cloud, Minnesota; great-granddaughter, Arabella "Bella" along with one on the way; his sister, Judith Ashby of Carbondale, Illinois; along with numerous extended family members and friends.

David was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers and other customary remembrances, David's family suggests memorials be directed to the family and sent to their attention, c/o Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa, 50010. Proceeds will be split between the Gilbert school district, Grace Bible Church and Cornerstone Church in Boone.