Ellenie Ash-Godwin Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

ASH-GODWIN Ellenie Ellenie Ash-Godwin, 1949-2015, daughter of Rev. Robert J. and Edna Rae Callihan-Ash of Toledo passed away peacefully from natural causes. She is survived by her two sisters, Maralee Ash and Lorilee Ash-Green; her brother-in-law, Bethel (J.R.) Green, Jr.; as well as her brother, David Rogers, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as her many friends. Ellenie graduated from the University of Toledo with a Music Education degree and spent her whole life in song and laughter. She taught in various schools, gave private lessons, and was a musical mentor to many. She was known in the area for her strong performances singing blues and jazz. She was the Secretary of the Black Swamp Blues Society and enjoyed being involved with The Blues in the Schools presentations. She was a lifelong member of Any Wednesday, a gathering of musicians and artists in the Old West End. Ellenie showcased her talents in many area bands, most notably the Radiation Blues Band, Blues Confidential, Soft Touch and the B-Charmers. She was an instrumental member of the Radiation Blues Band Reunion benefit, which is held annually to raise funds for various area charities. Born in Toledo, Ellenie travelled and lived in San Francisco, Seattle and Baltimore, where she resided with her late husband, Joe Godwin, for a number of years. She returned to Toledo in 2008 and picked up where she left off -- singing her way around town. Her friendly, gregarious nature made her easy to approach and she was always interested in others. We feel a great loss in our hearts but also joy for the new addition to the Angel Band….they may be singing with a little more punch now that she has arrived. A Memorial and Celebration of Life will be held on March 22nd at the Buehner Center at Oak Openings Metro Park, 5240 Wilkins Road, Whitehouse Ohio at 11:00 am. Her musician friends will carry the day with the music she lived and breathed for so long. Donations will gratefully be accepted in her honor for her favorite programs and charities: The Black Swamp Blues Society, 1Matters, and the Toledo School for the Arts. Ansberg-West Funeral Directors (419) 472-7633. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ansberg-west.com

Ellenie Ash-Godwin

September 27, 1949 - March 12, 2015