John Ashcraft

John Charles Ashcraft, born Dec. 20, 1967 (55) in Farmington, NM to Charles "Chuck" and Charlene Ashcraft, passed unexpectedly in Ruidoso, NM on Oct. 12, 2023. 

The Ashcraft family moved to Weatherford, OK in 1977, where John would start his passion for running, that he would carry on to his grandchildren.  He graduated from Weatherford high school as a state champion runner in 1986 and was later inducted into the Weatherford Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. John attended Southwestern State University in Weatherford and was offered a position with Stroud Crop Insurance that would lead him to Ruidoso, NM in 1989. John became an employee of Region IX in 1994 as the "original Region IX tech." John continued his career for 27 years as the originator of what has become the most respected and most diverse technology team in NM. In 2021 he retired to then become a part time employee of Ruidoso Municipal Schools until his passing.

It was when he first started working at Region IX he met the love of his life, Sandra. During their 26 years of marriage, they lived an adventurous life together, thick as thieves.  They enjoyed traveling, spending time outdoors, going to concerts, and attending every single event their grandchildren, great nieces and nephews were involved in. John was the most devoted grandfather to his five grandchildren. He was a kid at heart, often getting himself into trouble for being rambunctious with them. You would often hear Sandra’s exasperated “JOHN” anytime he got too rowdy with the grandkids.

He is survived by his wife Sandra, of Ruidoso Downs, NM; his parents Chuck and Charlene, of Weatherford, OK; daughter Brittanie (Dominic) of Ruidoso, NM; son Jordan of Denver, CO; stepdaughter Tara (Brian) of Glencoe, NM and sister Charla (Paul) of Weatherford, OK. He also leaves behind his five most prized possessions, his grandchildren, Emma, Abel, Alana, Sophia, and Lynnea.

John is preceded in death by his grandparents, Virgil and Zella Harris, James Robert ”Bob” and Lillie Ashcraft, great grandmother, Ethel Wood-Turpin and their dog, Raider “Damnit” Ashcraft. John lived his life wild and free, pushing every limit that was set. John was the voice of reason, always making the tough decisions. His integrity, his commitment, and his passion to get things done will not go unnoticed in this community.  

A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church, 270 Country Club Dr. Ruidoso, NM 88345, Thursday, Oct 19th, 2023, at 1:00 pm.  If you are not able to attend in person there will be a live stream. Please follow the link below.  https://www.firstruidoso.com/livestream