LOCAL ORGANIZER, SINGER, ACTRESS, AND FRIEND, BARBARA ASHLEY, DIED RECENTLY. SHE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST WOMEN TO JOIN THE GOOD OLE BOYS CLUB IN WOODSVILLE. SHE WAS PROUD OF THAT!
Bernie Marvin
January 08, 2026
The area lost a dedicated leader on December 12, 2025, one who was well known in many communities and a woman who had been involved as a leader and communicator in local politics, community projects, banking, singing, sports, economic development, and a whole lot more in both Grafton and Coos Counties.
The late Barbara Ashley hailed from Littleton and was an activist, intelligent, politically astute, and fun person to be around. She could organize a company board of directors, a parade, a complex Main Street Program, and support programs ranging from political campaigns to a local hospital's open-house promotion.
I got to know Barbara well when she joined a local Woodsville group of folks known as the Good Ole Boys. That would be around the year 2000. It was a large group that met monthly, first at The Barge Inn, then at The Happy Hour Restaurant, until it disbanded around 2015.
I had dealt with Barbara in many ways, and our paths crossed often while I was working with local businesses and people, providing materials for various newspapers I worked on during my association with Barbara and her whirlwind of activities.
There were many occasions that she and I would be on WYKR Radio with Gene Puffer, whether it be at a P&H Truckstop Forum in Wells River or discussing the |Lisbon Lilac Festival that she and a group of associates founded. Barbara Ashley was everywhere, and that was OK because she was fun to be around and everyone enjoyed her company.
In the background of projects involving politics in Haverhill or other nearby towns, there was Barbara Ashley, on stage, in the background, or out front leading. Some of her most interesting political contacts came through her interest and membership in the Good Ole Boys Club, a group that started all male, but eventually grew into the Good Ole Boys and Girls, as local women wanted in, and Barbara was one of the first to bang on the Good Ole Boys' door and get a seat at the table.
The late Jim Walker of Woodsville, whose political domain was considerable, founded the club. He had served many years as the top Republican Town Committee Boss in Haverhill and really spun some heads when he decided to support such Democrats as US Senator Jeanne Shaheen, US Congressman Dick Swett, NH Senator Wayne King, and other Democrats, much to the ire of those other county and state Republican bosses who announced that Walker should be purged from the party for backing some well-known Democrats.
He was never purged and was continually re-elected until he retired from the local political scene.
I remember Good Ole Boys events for John Kerry, Dan Quayle, John McCain, Patrick J. Buchanan, and many others at the national and state levels in New Hampshire and Vermont that drew hundreds of people. Through all these lunches, spaghetti dinners, and special meetings, Barbara Ashley was right there, asking questions and enjoying the activities of all these club members and guests. She knew them all and would invite members to participate in whatever activities she was a part of that month.
"A Tribute to Barbara Ashley: One of the Hearts of the North Country" was published a few weeks ago by Littleton Chevrolet on their Facebook page. It was a beautifully written tribute created for Barbara and a close friend, long-time Executive Councilor and County Commissioner Raymond Burton of Bath.
Barbara and Ray were close friends, and as the posting mentioned so well, these two North Country personalities both worked hard to make the North Country a better place.
The tribute also noted Barbara Ashley's legacy: "The Trusted Advisor: Barbara has advised countless business owners, helping them navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and grow their enterprises, ensuring the economic vitality of our region.
"The Peerless Mentor: She has mentored a generation of colleagues and friends, sharing her wisdom, opening doors, and inspiring others to step up and lead with integrity and passion.
"The Unwavering Advocate: For years, Barbara has been the clear, persuasive voice for the North Country, tirelessly advocating for the resources, recognition, and support that this unique and beautiful area deserves.
It was a beautiful glimpse into Barbara’s life dedicated to others.
The late Barbara Ashley hailed from Littleton and was an activist, intelligent, politically astute, and fun person to be around. She could organize a company board of directors, a parade, a complex Main Street Program, and support programs ranging from political campaigns to a local hospital's open-house promotion.
I got to know Barbara well when she joined a local Woodsville group of folks known as the Good Ole Boys. That would be around the year 2000. It was a large group that met monthly, first at The Barge Inn, then at The Happy Hour Restaurant, until it disbanded around 2015.
I had dealt with Barbara in many ways, and our paths crossed often while I was working with local businesses and people, providing materials for various newspapers I worked on during my association with Barbara and her whirlwind of activities.
There were many occasions that she and I would be on WYKR Radio with Gene Puffer, whether it be at a P&H Truckstop Forum in Wells River or discussing the |Lisbon Lilac Festival that she and a group of associates founded. Barbara Ashley was everywhere, and that was OK because she was fun to be around and everyone enjoyed her company.
In the background of projects involving politics in Haverhill or other nearby towns, there was Barbara Ashley, on stage, in the background, or out front leading. Some of her most interesting political contacts came through her interest and membership in the Good Ole Boys Club, a group that started all male, but eventually grew into the Good Ole Boys and Girls, as local women wanted in, and Barbara was one of the first to bang on the Good Ole Boys' door and get a seat at the table.
The late Jim Walker of Woodsville, whose political domain was considerable, founded the club. He had served many years as the top Republican Town Committee Boss in Haverhill and really spun some heads when he decided to support such Democrats as US Senator Jeanne Shaheen, US Congressman Dick Swett, NH Senator Wayne King, and other Democrats, much to the ire of those other county and state Republican bosses who announced that Walker should be purged from the party for backing some well-known Democrats.
He was never purged and was continually re-elected until he retired from the local political scene.
I remember Good Ole Boys events for John Kerry, Dan Quayle, John McCain, Patrick J. Buchanan, and many others at the national and state levels in New Hampshire and Vermont that drew hundreds of people. Through all these lunches, spaghetti dinners, and special meetings, Barbara Ashley was right there, asking questions and enjoying the activities of all these club members and guests. She knew them all and would invite members to participate in whatever activities she was a part of that month.
"A Tribute to Barbara Ashley: One of the Hearts of the North Country" was published a few weeks ago by Littleton Chevrolet on their Facebook page. It was a beautifully written tribute created for Barbara and a close friend, long-time Executive Councilor and County Commissioner Raymond Burton of Bath.
Barbara and Ray were close friends, and as the posting mentioned so well, these two North Country personalities both worked hard to make the North Country a better place.
The tribute also noted Barbara Ashley's legacy: "The Trusted Advisor: Barbara has advised countless business owners, helping them navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and grow their enterprises, ensuring the economic vitality of our region.
"The Peerless Mentor: She has mentored a generation of colleagues and friends, sharing her wisdom, opening doors, and inspiring others to step up and lead with integrity and passion.
"The Unwavering Advocate: For years, Barbara has been the clear, persuasive voice for the North Country, tirelessly advocating for the resources, recognition, and support that this unique and beautiful area deserves.
It was a beautiful glimpse into Barbara’s life dedicated to others.
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