Woodsville, NH- Clifford Justin Ashford, 86, of Ralston Road, and formerly a long-time resident of Groton and Wells River, VT, died on Sunday, August 5, 2018, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Cliff was born in Groton on April 21, 1932, to Justin H. and Mary Gertrude (Emery) Ashford.  He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict.  He worked for 11 years for the former East Ryegate Paper Mill and for Wells and Lamson Granite, before retiring in 1994 as a truck driver for Rock of Ages Corporation, following 34 years of service.

Cliff was a member of the Ross-Wood Post #20 of the American Legion in Woodsville, and the VFW Post #5245 in North Haverhill, NH.  An accomplished musician, who could play nine instruments, Cliff had his own bands, the Ranch House Boys and the Rhythm Wranglers . He played with the White Rose Band and most recently, The Boyz .  He also played with Bob Benjamin at the Horse Meadow Senior Center.  Over the years, Cliff volunteered countless hours playing music at area nursing homes and senior centers.

On December 24, 1952, he married Thelma R. Darling and she predeceased him on January 6, 1991.  He was also predeceased by a son, Clifford E. Ashford and two siblings, John Ashford and Betty Wilson.

He is survived by his wife Mary Ann (Mansfield) Dellinger Lewis Ashford of Woodsville, to whom he was married on October 5, 2013.  He is also survived by a son, Kim A. Ashford and wife Pam of Newbury, VT; a daughter, Kristy M. Davis and husband Jason of Wells River; three grandchildren, Heather Beckley and husband Jeremy, Brandon Darling and Alicia Whitcomb, and Trevor Darling; two great grandsons, Lukis Darling and Jarred Beckley; two sisters, Charlotte Sanville of Groton and Ellen Roy of Claremont, NH; a brother, Seth "Pete" Ashford and wife Donna of South Ryegate, VT; nieces, nephews, and cousins; along with four step children, Deborah Russell of California, Peg Wahl of Fair Haven, MA, and Walter and Chris Dellinger both of North Haverhill and several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, August 9th from 6-8 PM at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH.

A graveside service will be on Friday, August 10th at 11 AM in Pinehurst Cemetery, South Ryegate, VT with Pastor Earl Brock officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodsville Ambulance Service, PO Box 191, Woodsville, NH  03785, or to the North Country Home Health & Hospice, 536 Cottage Street, Littleton, NH 03561