Joseph R. Ashcraft

ASHCRAFT - Joseph R. Ashcraft, 80, passed away March 05, 2009. He was born March 24, 1928 to Claud Cleveland Ashcraft and Olive Josephine (Gruber) Ashcraft, in Las Animas, Colo. Joe is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joan (Jo) Ashcraft, of Albuquerque; son, Evan Ashcraft (Ellen) of Tijeras; daughter, Rachel Hall (Russell) and granddaughter, Kristina Marie Hall, of Placitas; siblings, Claud Ashcraft, of Seattle, Wash., and Irwin Ashcraft, of Santa Rosa, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Lawrence Ashcraft. Joe served in the U.S. Navy. He earned a master's degree in mathematics from the University of Minnesota. Joe was a theoretical mathematician with Sandia National Laboratories from 1957 to 1991. He enjoyed outdoor activities, such as skiing, camping, backpacking and sailing. He also enjoyed reading and music, primarily opera and symphony, and played the organ. Joe was much loved and will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society in Joe's memory. Friends may send condolences at www.danielsfuneral.com. Services have been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd, NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010