Wanda Ashcraft

March 15, 1947 - July 28, 2025

Wanda Lee Winchip Ashcraft (March 15, 1947 – July 28, 2025)

Wanda Ashcraft, 78, of Avon, Indiana went to be with the Lord on July 28, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. She was born in Anamosa, Iowa where she spent her childhood on the family farm. After graduating from Monticello High School, she moved to Cedar Lake, Indiana. There she met Rodney Ashcraft, whom she married on September 27, 1968. They welcomed their only child Jefferson M. Ashcraft in 1969. Later, she and her husband moved to Avon, Indiana to be closer to their grandchildren and to watch them grow.

Her life was focused on love for the Lord, love for her family and friends, and living life to the fullest even in the face of adversity. Over the years she served her church (Cedar Lake United Methodist Church) in several capacities, including church committees, volunteering for the after-school kids’ program, and as a member and officer of the local United Methodist Women’s organization. Wanda was passionate about helping those in need and found ways to help her community thrive. She was a board member and volunteer at the Gleaners Resale Shop and a volunteer for the church’s food pantry.

She was an avid motorcycle rider, allowing her and her husband to travel across the country, making numerous friends and having great adventures along the way. She was the proprietor of a ceramic shop for several years, allowing for additional travel opportunities with her family. After moving to Avon, she joined the Woodworkers of Central Indiana with her family. As a part of this organization, she volunteered to help with their Christmas toy packing event, which sent a variety of new wooden toys to organizations that delivered them to children in need.

Spending time with family ranged from traveling, family celebrations and events, hunting, and helping with a lifetime of construction projects. Over the years, she had previously beaten cancer and had numerous eye surgeries to help preserve her sight. She was always determined to do anything to maintain her strong, independent, and loving lifestyle. Throughout life’s journey, numerous friends became family that continued to enrich her life and strengthened her support circle through all of life’s ups and downs.

Wanda is preceded in death by her mother Clara Mae Winchip; father Mitchell Winchip; step-mother Lois Winchip; mother-in-law Elaine Ashcraft; father-in-law Jefferson C. Ashcraft; sister-in-law Garnet Winchip; brothers-in-law Charles “Buzz” Scott, Randall Ashcraft, and Edward Gump. She is survived by her loving husband Rodney Ashcraft; son Jefferson M. Ashcraft; daughter-in-law Michelle Goodman Ashcraft; granddaughters Emily M. Ashcraft and Ella C. Ashcraft; brother LaVern Winchip; sister Denise Petrick; sisters-in-law Leann Gump, Alease (Ed) Goe, Loretta Ashcraft, Martha Scott, Debra Miller; brothers-in-law Jefferson L. (Linda) Ashcraft and Michael Ashcraft; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her family members by choice Jennifer (Bob) Doriot and Family, Tommy VanHoose and Family, Gloria Bains, and Jerry Allen.

Visitation will be at Mount Olive United Methodist Church, 1449 South High School Road, Indianapolis on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 11 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1:30 p.m. Please note any deliveries of flowers, etc. should be scheduled for delivery to Mount Olive on August 9^th no earlier than 9 a.m. Donations can be made in Wanda’s memory to the Mount Olive UMC Outreach Committee, the Lynhurst Baptist Community Center, or the Cedar Lake UMC Prayer Blanket ministry.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Cremation Society of Indiana.

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Wanda Lee Winchip Ashcraft (March 15, 1947 – July 28, 2025) Wanda Ashcraft, 78, of Avon, Indiana went to be with the Lord on July 28, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. She was born in Anamosa, Iowa where she spent her childhood on the family farm. After graduating from Monticello High School, sheContinue Reading

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Sending my Condolences and Sympathy to Wanda’s Family and Friends . I was a Classmate of Wanda’s In Monticello Iowa - We were the Class of 1965 . We are Celebrating 60 years of Graduation on August 23 ! I know Wanda wanted to b able to come back to our Hometown so much - but now Wanda’s Spirit will b Celebrated along with other classmates we have lost 🥲 ! Was a Hoot talking to Wanda and family after 60 yrs a couple of weeks ago ! RIP my Friend ! ❤️‍🩹🙏🤗🙏

Rodney and I were welders apprentices together at age 19. We became instant friends and then Marty and Wanda met. Rodney and Wanda are absolutely the two nicest people ever. Both so very kind. The best couple ever . We are all still very close friends and talk often. Like everyone else, we will miss Wanda terribly. Now are thoughts are with Rodney,Jeff,and the rest of the family. We will speak with Rodney often, but not with Wanda adding to the conversation . She will be missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

What a beautiful testimony of a life well lived. She was our friend and a loving neighbor. Her laugh was contagious and her strength admirable. God bless Rod, Jeff, Michelle and the girls. You were her everything. Love, Mark and Karen Mitchell

Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of Wanda. We will miss her beautiful soul.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Wanda Ashcraft . Plant a Tree

My condolences to everyone that knew Mrs. Ashcraft because if you knew her you loved her. I first met Mrs. Ashcraft when I was 16 and became friends with Jeff and she was always so loving and kind even tho we were doing all the dumb things kids our age would do. I will miss her very much but will always have all the kind feeling and wonderful memories I have of her.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.