Robert B. Ash, 79, of Urbana, passed away at 12:36 A.M. on April 15, 2015 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Bob was out for his regular walk when he was struck by a vehicle while in a crosswalk.

There will be no funeral services. Cremation rites will be according.

Bob was born on May 20, 1935 in New York City, NY. His parents were William and Rose (Fink) Ash. They preceded him in death.

On January 29, 1956, Bob married Carol Schwartz in New York City, NY. She survives. His brother, Charlie Ash of Manchester, NH, also survives him.

Bob came to the Mathematics Department at the University of Illinois in 1963. He wrote thirteen textbooks but he was most proud of the eight books he posted on his web page during his retirement that were available for free downloading. He got many emails of thanks for those books. Like this one from a professor in Ankara: "I want to give my deepest gratitude to your service to the mathematics society by your book, lecture notes. Your generosity is truly appreciated. Live a long and healthy life with peace knowing that you did a lot of good things."

In addition to teaching and writing math, he loved learning (he had just started studying elementary physics) and he loved jogging. After his first sabbatical his required report to the department chairman listing sabbatical accomplishments included a 5:08 mile.