Aretha Ann (Airulla) Alexander , 90, of Ashland, died Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at Brethren Care Village.
Born on May 20, 1936 in Smithville, Ohio to Karafil and Helen (Fedor) Airulla. Aretha graduated from Smithville High School’s class of 1954. She then headed to Bowling Green State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree in 1958. This is where she met the love of her life, Rodney Alexander. The pair were married on August 16, 1958.
The first part of Aretha’s career was spent raising her family, then she went on to teach in the Hillsdale, Ashland and Crestview school districts until her retirement. In her free time, she enjoyed her flower garden, baking, playing bridge and flea marketing. After retirement she immensely enjoyed traveling to many destinations inside and outside the United States with Rod. Aretha was a resilient breast cancer survivor.
Aretha was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church. She always went out of her way to connect with others as she had a genuine interest in learning about people’s lives.
Aretha is survived by her children Sandy (Curt) Goldman of Doylestown, PA and Jeff (Lisa) Alexander of Westerville, OH; and two grandchildren, Zachary and Sydney Goldman. In addition to her parents, Aretha was preceded in death by her husband Rod of 63 years and two brothers: Philip and John Airulla.
Family and friends may visit from 10:00-11:00 am on Friday, October 16, 2026 at the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home, 313 Center Street, Ashland. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Tom Snyder presiding. Burial will be in Ashland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church at www.ashlandfirst.org or Brethren Care Foundation at www.brethrencarevillage.org – donation directed toward Bradford Houses.
For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to handle the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com