Meet Thomas from the Leadership class of 2025

| October 16, 2024

Ashley Grassbaugh-Thomas a.k.a, Ashley Thomas, grew up in Coshocton and is a 2003 graduate of River View High School. Thomas enjoyed volleyball and was a member of the National Honor Society during her academic career.  Outside of schooling, she worked at McDonald’s in Coshocton where she met her future husband, Jonathon. She intended to move to Columbus for paralegal studies upon graduating high school, but instead attended Kent State University to study criminal justice. After some time, her studies changed to nursing, and she would later attend the Knox County Career Center for Adults to earn her License of Practical Nursing in 2009. Over the years and passing her board, Ashley was both a nursing aid and floor nurse at Echoing Hills. She then changed jobs but remained a nurse at the Kno-Ho-Co Family Planning Clinic. Eventually, her interest of paralegal studies would return when she accepted a position as a legal assistant for Owens & Manning Law Firm.

Since being together Ashley and Jonathon shared two kids.  By this time, they had welcomed their third child, she had taken time off to be a stay-at-home mother between her jobs to raise their children. With one of her youngest in preschool at the time, Hopewell School reached out to offer her a position as a substitute nurse, where she would also serve time as a substitute teacher. Ashley said, “those positions were just God’s steppingstones.” In February 2023, a deputy clerk position became available at the recorder’s office. Ashley was familiar with this office, as she had run errands for the law firm, which they offered her a part-time position. After discussing with her husband, Ashley accepted the position, “My husband has always been supportive of me being a stay-at-home mom,” she said. In November of 2023 Ashley’s boss, Susan Turner, made the decision to retire as the county recorder, she reached out to the clerks to inquire who might be interested in running for the position of county recorder in the November 2024 election.  Ashley assumed the interim county recorder position on Aug. 1, 2024, having been appointed by the county commissioners and the Coshocton County Republican Central Committee.

Ashley says she has “the gift of administration and enjoys the paperwork” making her well-suited for this position. The county recorder oversees the recording of all documents pertaining to property in Coshocton County, some of which go as far back as the 1800s. Documents pertain to such things as land conveyances; real estate sales and transfers, etc. “Our job is to have the deeds and documents properly recorded and indexed for record keeping.” Most people come in to learn about the history of their property, to receive a copy of the deed to their house or for information on oil/gas leases. Though they provide the information, the recording office cannot give legal advice to the public as a legal requirement, they are encouraged to seek out an attorney instead. Ashley enjoys the job, helping people, and is excited to serve the county with the needs provided by the office. She wants to continue to build relationships with local businesses, running a smooth office and updating files and services to allow for more online access as well as keeping on top of safety and security online.

Ashley also serves as a Cubmaster for the local Cub Scout Pack 403. She has been involved with Scouts since 2016 and said, “I really enjoy watching the kids grow and learn new things and transfer to the Troop level.” She also serves as the Vice President of the River View PTO for the elementary and intermediate schools. Currently a self-proclaimed “soccer and marching band mom” among other sports. She is also a 4-H Mom, supporting her children’s special interest projects. She and her family attend Pleasant Hill Bible Chapel where she serves as the administrative assistant and is a member of the Ohio Recorders Association.

When asked why she decided to participate in Leadership Coshocton, Ashley said, “Susan (Turner) presented the application to me and had already written her recommendation on the application. She spoke of her experience and as a lifetime resident, learned things she never knew. She enjoyed doing LCC and meeting new people.” Ashley recognized that “assuming the role of recorder, this would be a beneficial program to participate in; gaining knowledge and experience.” She said, “I’ve already learned a lot about myself; met new people and broadened my network.”

Of the community, Ashley said, “I enjoy our community. It has its pros and cons, but I’ve seen where in time of need, people come out and support one another whether they know them or not. I feel secure in Coshocton, a hometown feel. People know who you are.”

To make the county stronger, Ashley thinks people should “find what is important to them and get involved. Give people opportunities to be part of something and do something to grow yourself. Get out there and make yourself knowledgeable about the county and communities. Follow your passion and do something meaningful.”

Ashley would “absolutely recommend” Leadership Coshocton for others, stating, “in just a short time, the things we’ve done have taught me new things about myself; helped to define things and made things clear about myself. I’m excited to learn what else this program can bring out in me.”

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Category: Clubs & Organizations

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Article contributed to The Beacon.

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