Belvidere, ILWilliam L. "Bill" Ash, 71, of Belvidere, IL died suddenly Saturday afternoon July 7, 2007 at Rockford Memorial Hospital of a heart attack. Bill was born March 27, 1936 in Watseka, Illinois, the son of John J. and Mathilda J. (Weinrank) Ash. Bill married Donna Ebel in Elgin, Illinois on June 11, 1966. Bill owned Creative Horticultural Services for the past 20 years where he created beautiful landscapes and flower gardens for people all around the area. Bill was a plant enthusiast with expert knowledge, and was the former Belvidere City Forester and a member of the Belvidere Men's Garden Club. Bill was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Belvidere. He loved to cook and was an artist who enjoyed painting and woodworking. Bill was an avid outdoor enthusiast; he enjoyed hunting, walks in the woods, and took every opportunity to appreciate the natural world around him. He loved life and was always able to make people laugh, and was infamous for laughing at his own jokes. Bill especially enjoyed spending time with his children and his five granddaughters, whom he would take out for ice cream as often as possible. Survivors include his wife, Donna of Belvidere; mother, Mathilda of Ashkum, IL; children, Angela (Mark) Winterland of Rockford; Cynthia (Robert) Drummer of Roscoe, IL, Michelle (James) McDowell of Burlington, IA, Michael (Amy) Ash of Beloit, WI; granddaughters, Victoria, Hannah, and Sophia Winterland, Anna Grace and Lauren McDowell; great-granddaughter, Madison Olson; sisters, Julie (Wayne) Perry of Mountain Home, AR; Pamela Ash of Watseka, IL; brothers, John K. (Doris) Ash of Watseka, IL; Robert (Kris) Ash of Elgin, IL; numerous nieces and nephews. Bill is predeceased by his father, John J. Ash; brother, Jerry Ash and sister-in-law Rachel Ash.

In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in Bill's name in care of the family.