Legacy Tributes

Please read below about each legacy fund in honor of four beloved friends of St. Louis Classical Guitar.

Our dear friend Kathleen Jane Evans Ash

(November 10, 1952 - January 26, 2009)

From 1980 until her untimely death in 2009 Kathy Ash worked with her husband Bill to help take St. Louis Classical Guitar from a small membership guild to a significant St. Louis arts organization. Her writing talents, perfect preparation, and attention to the needs of our ticket buyers were a cornerstone of the Society’s success. It was Kathy’s preference to work quietly but steadily behind the scenes. In 1984, She established GUITAR NOTES, the society's newsletter, and served as its editor for 25 years. She also handled ticket selling, did the printed programs, and assisted with grant proposals. Kathy coordinated volunteers for morning performances, exposing thousands of student groups and their teachers to many of the world’s finest performers of the fretted instruments, and all in a wonderful concert environment. A guitarist herself, Kathy played in our Guitar Orchestra throughout the mid-1990’s. She arranged the Rondeau of J.J. Mouret (Masterpiece Theater Theme) and the Rondalla Aragonesa of Enrique Granados which the ensemble performed in public.

Your donation can be made to specifically honor Kathy and will help ensure the future of ST. LOUIS CLASSICAL GUITAR in her memory. You have the option of supporting general operations, or more specifically to the KATHLEEN JANE EVANS ASH MEMORIAL FUND to ensure our sustainability over time.

See More About Kathy Ash written by husband Bill after her passing:

Our dear friend John Clayton

(December 3, 1958 – July 5, 2021)

John was a well-known radio host of the evening show on KFUO CLASSIC 99 Radio from1986 to 2010. Then in 2013 the Guitar Society was invited by Jim Connett of Classic 107.3 FM, to put on a weekly show devoted to the classical guitar. John said it was his lifelong dream to host such a show! Thus Inside Classical Guitar was born, with our first broadcast on May 6, 2013, featuring none other than legendary guitarist Christopher Parkening as our guest. John’s interview skills, love of music for the guitar, and overall professionalism are well displayed through over 400 episodes of Inside Classical Guitar. The deep community awareness of the classical guitar in St. Louis is due in large part to his credit. His legacy program continues every Monday at 8:00 pm on Classic 107.3 FM with new program host W. Mark Akin, who John proactively recruited to replace him knowing that his tenure was coming to a close.

See More About John Clayton:

Your donation can be made to specifically honor John, and will help ensure the future of INSIDE CLASSICAL GUITAR radio show in his memory:

Our dear friend Margaret Gilleo

(July 23, 1939 - June 08, 2023)

The most significant and ardent supporter of our Guitar Horizons program for underserved St. Louis Public School students, as a Board Member Margaret made numerous contributions to SLCG specifically to help fund student school programs. Margaret valued the premise of introducing music (particularly guitar) to many students across the St. Louis area who otherwise might not have the opportunity to participate and gain musical experience. She was a fine pianist, and she with husband Charles Guenther supported the St. Louis Symphony as well. Margaret was also active in environmental causes, a member of the Sierra Club and supporter of the Great Rivers Environmental Law Center. You may donate in Margaret’s Memory and continue her impact in our community through the link below. Your donation can be made to specifically honor Margaret, and will help ensure the future of Guitar Horizons education programs in her memory.

Our dear friend Clifford “Cliff” Eise

(February 22, 1940 - March 17, 2024)

Cliff served for two years in the 82nd Airborne, then was a graphic artist with the Direct Mail Corporation of America. He was a fine handball player, a fine artist in many mediums, a maker and player of both native American flutes and cigar box guitars. Cliff and his wife Martha were both valued members and volunteers of SLCG for many years. A great supporter of the Guitar Horizons program, Cliff volunteered his time to take photos and video of students performing in concerts, in attendance at artist residencies, and practicing in their classrooms. Archived photo and video from Cliff also includes those of our Guitar Orchestra, Gateway Guitar Quartet, master classes, and Great Artist Series concerts. Cliff played his native American flutes with reverence and great respect for native traditions. He loved the historical repertoire of classical guitar music, and was able to play Malaguena beautifully. A valued member of our Guitar Orchestra, he can be seen in many of our posted videos on YouTube, and we all miss him still.

Your donation can be made to specifically honor Cliff, and will help ensure the future of the Guitar Horizons education programs in his memory.