Ralph Lawrence Ashton Sr.

1922 - 2014

Ralph Lawrence Ashton Sr. obituary, 1922-2014, Salt Lake City, UT

FUNERAL HOME

Evans & Early Mortuary

574 East 100 South

Salt Lake City, Utah

Ralph Ashton Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 23, 2014.

Ralph L. Ashton

Ralph Ashton passed peacefully from this life on the morning of December 20th in Salt Lake City.
Ralph was born in Roosevelt, Utah on June 28th, 1922, son of Rae and Eve Ashton, prominent Vernal merchants. He attended grammar school in Vernal, Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant, and graduated from Stanford University in 1947. While at Stanford, he was leaving a party one night when he saw a beautiful girl across the room. He decided at once to stay a little longer, saying to a friend, "I'm going to marry that girl". And that's just what he did, making Virginia Walker his bride in September of 1947. Ralph and Virginia were a devoted, loving couple, celebrating over 56 years together before Virginia's death in 2003. They raised a family of 4 children in an atmosphere of love and togetherness , spiced with a strong sense of humor.
During World War II, Ralph served honorably in the Philippines as an army platoon commander. After the war, he was stationed in Japan as Special Services and Athletic director with the 1st Cavalry Division where, among other duties, he enjoyed arranging basketball and volleyball games with the Russians. Later, he became head of the Vernal National Guard, in which capacity he had the distinction of serving as Honor Guard for General Douglas MacArthur at various functions.
After returning from the service, Ralph joined his father, mother and brother in running Ashton Brothers, the long-established family mercantile business. To the department and grocery store operation, the Ashtons added an oil-well supply company to serve the growing Rangely oil fields, together with a construction company, which helped build the villages of Bonanza and Rangely, as well as many Vernal homes. Ralph was president of these Ashton Brothers Company divisions.
Ralph called Vernal one of the "finest towns in the state", and he was very active in many civic organizations. A member of the original Vernal Chamber of Commerce, Uintah County Hospital Board, AT&T board, and Flying Diamond Oil Co. Board, he was also president of the Rotary Club, Knife and Fork Club, Dinaland Country Club, and the Men's Golf Association. An avid, pro-level golfer, Ralph was one of the original founders of the Vernal Golf Club and he assisted in designing the course. In Salt Lake City, he served on various Salt Lake Country Club committees and the Mountain States Telephone board.
A natural athlete, Ralph excelled not only at golf, but also at tennis and basketball and carried home numerous trophies. Age proved to be no barrier: in his late 80s, he was still playing several rounds of golf a week. And his expertise wasn't limited to active sports: He was also unbeatable at Gin Rummy, to the frustration of his card-playing children.
Ralph was a respected and beloved member of the St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral congregation, where he was often called upon to read the lesson with his booming "church voice". He had a genuine love for his fellow churchgoers and was fond of greeting them with a hug and a big smile. He regularly attended Thursday Bible classes, where he confounded the others in the room with his tough questions. He will be sorely missed at St. Mark's.
A great storyteller, Ralph would fascinate listeners with his vast knowledge of Uintah Basin history. He loved to recount anecdotes about Butch Cassidy, Elzy Lay, Harry Longabaugh, and others, and was often consulted as an authority. His talent for imitation and mimic gave an extra spark to any stories he told and he always had his amused listeners roaring with laughter.
Ralph lived life to the fullest. Those who knew him would agree that he was "larger than life" and truly one of a kind. He loved his family more than anything, and they returned that love. He will be missed by his children Michael Ashton (Billy), Larry Ashton (Alicia), Virginia Bostrom (Don), and Marjorie Coleman (Skip), and grandchildren Don Coleman (Amanda), David Coleman, PJ Coleman, Stephen Coleman, Ivey Bostrom and Ashley Bostrom.

Our family would like to thank his many close friends who visited, wrote to him or spoke with him regularly by phone. These friendships were so important to him. We would especially like to thank his close and dear friend Ann Ellingson who visited dad regularly and spoke with him by phone sometimes multiple times daily. Anne's friendship with dad and her unwavering support meant the world to him and to our family. We also thank his physical therapist and friend, Gisela Tippetts (who he affectionately called "the bird") for helping dad maintain his quality of life through a consistent relationship of trust and caring.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 2, 2015 at The Cathedral Church of St. Mark with the Very Rev'd Raymond J. Waldon officiating and the Very Rev'd Jack C. Potter and Very Rev'd Rick Q. Lawson assisting. Inurnment will be in the Columbarium at the Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, 1175 West Baseline Road, Claremont, CA 91711; The Moran Eye Center, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132; the University Orthopaedic Center, 590 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108; Wasatch Academy, 120 South 100 West, Mt. Pleasant, Utah 84647 or The Cathedral Church of St. Mark, 231 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111.

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November 4, 2022

Friend

Daniel Chambers

A little late but on behalf of the Harry Chambers family of Tucson, Arizona, I would like to add my condolences to the family of Mr Ashton.
My father Harry Chambers was the best friend of Ralph's when the lived and served together in the US Army during 1945-46 in Toyoko as part of the USA's occupation forces. The both served together as Honor Guards to General MacArthur at vary function. They were selected because they were both very tall men as was General MacArthur. Both Dad and Ralph also served on the All Army Basketball team that won many tournaments.
As told to me some of their best times was when the rented a small house from an elderly Japanese gentleman who survived the bombings of Tokyo. He had no other relatives left. So as part of the rent Dad and Ralph paid for all the food for the household. The landlord then cooked all their meals, cleaned the house and cleaned and pressed their uniforms and other clothing. He even taught them how to make Japanese meals with sukiyaki being their favorite.
In late 1946 both Dad and Ralph were finally able to muster out and return to their respective homes in Utah and Arizona. They kept in touch for many years and Dad particularly enjoyed coming up to Vernal and going pheasant hunting.
I hope to stop by and pay my respects next summer of 2023 if my health holds up on our way to Montana. Best to the Ashton family. Daniel Chambers, Tucson, Arizona

February 27, 2017

Frank Ray

I am sending my belated condolences to the Ashton family. I didn't really know Ralph - I met him only once. But knowing his remarkable children, I know that he too was a remarkable person. Ralph's wonderful family is a testament to his life. I offer my sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved father and grandfather.

Posted by Frank Ray

January 6, 2015

I am very saddened to hear about Ralph's passing. He was a great supporter of Wasatch Academy. It was a joy updating Ralph on school news due to the pride he had for his alma mater. Ralph was the golden boy of his era at Wasatch Academy. Alums from Ralph's Wasatch year's shared how how much they respected Ralph as a leader. He was one of the great characters to walk the historic halls of Wasatch Academy. His recognition as a Distinguished Alumnus was well deserved. We thank Ralph for everything he did for the Wasatch Academy community.

Joseph Loftin
Head of School
Wasatch Academy

January 5, 2015

George and Mary Ann Mantes

To Ralph's wonderful family,

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time.

On one hand we are thrilled that Ralph is with his beloved Virginia and many friends that he so missed. On the other we are sorry for his dear family and many friends and acquaintances that he has left.
His warm and caring personality, storytelling ability, humor, intelligence, humility and overall physicality will be missed by all who had the privilege of meeting this wonderful man. We have all been enriched by knowing him!

May his memory be eternal!

January 5, 2015

Heather Seal

I feel so blessed that I got to be your dad's nurse this past year. He always had a smile, kind word and a heart full of gratitude for my care. He was one of my favorites to visit and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him!

January 4, 2015

Nancy Webb

So very sorry to hear about your Dad. He will be missed by many.I feel so blessed to have known him and enjoyed his stories. Thinking of you all.

January 2, 2015

My sincere sympathies to Mike and the entire Ashton family on the passing of your father Ralph. I have heard wonderful things about him. Blessed be his memory. Steve Saetre.

January 2, 2015

My sympathies to Mike and the entire Ashton family on the passing of your father Ralph. I have heard wonderful things about him. Blessed be his memory.

January 2, 2015

David Saetre

Blessings and peace to the Patriarch and Ashton family, to Mike and to our brother Billy. We are thinking of you today and in the days to follow. David Saetre and Janet Bewley

January 2, 2015

Alison Carpenter Davis

Michael, Larry, Ginny, and Margie: Thinking of you right now, as service about to start. I am with you in spirit, as is our entire family. What a wonderful man and friend to my Dad. I have such great memories of piling into the car with my family to drive to Vernal, Utah, in the summer when we were little, and meeting up with all of you at Vacation Village. What a treasure your Dad was--so funny, caring, and engaged in life and the lives of those around him. He and my dad were born the same year, graduated the same year from college, and died the same year--together in this life and the next. Love to all of you. It was a privilege to know him. --Alison Carpenter Davis

January 2, 2015

Jerry

I am very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. My heartfelt condolences to the family during this time of sorrow. (1Corinthains 15:26) (Isaiah 61:1,2) Please find peace in knowing that He understands your grief and He cares. 1 Peter 5:6,

January 1, 2015

meg averett

What an amazing life your dad had and what a gift he was to Salt Lake.
I loved meeting your dad and it is easy to see why he had such an amazing family and amazing kids.
My heart goes out to all of you and I thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Peace be with you

December 31, 2014

You have my deepest sympathy May the God of loyal love comfort you and the family during your time of sorrow. Psalm 119:76

December 30, 2014

You have my condolence on your loss my prayers goes out to the family
R.JOHNSON

December 29, 2014

Under God's Kingdom on earth, aging and death will no longer happen, as imperfection and bad conditions will be things of the past. Isaiah 65:17-25. -

December 29, 2014

Bill Johnston

I first met Ralph in 1950 when I was hired by the Empire Club to design and build a nine-hole golf course. He took me under his wing and saw that I was welcomed by the community.
I gave him his first golf lesson (using plastic balls since we didn't have a driving range) and we became lifetime friends.

Despite my living in Phoenix for these many years we have stayed close. Every time I came to Utah he would invite me to play with him and his friends at the Country Club. We would visit by phone almost monthly. My last call with him was earlier this month. I was very fortunate to have that conversation with him.

Loyalty was one of his greatest traits.

I extend my condolences to his family. I am sorry for their loss, and mine.

Bill Johnston

December 28, 2014

Susie Adams

Ginny & Margir,
So sorry for your loss. I still picture all of you together in the pews at St. Mark's....such a lovely family.
God be with you.
Susie Adams Tucson, Az

December 27, 2014

Ralph I will still keep you in my prays and thank you for all the delightfull storie that you shared with Don and myself. We so enjoyed your company and you will truly be missed by your Pennsylvania family.

December 27, 2014

Joe Watts

Ralph was one of my all time favorites. He was a delightful, happy, witty person.

His generation was special. They had hard times, but they met every challenge, improved on their lot in life, and paved the way for the rest of us. Ralph was one of the greats. I hope someone in the family has a written history of his purposeful life, and if so I would like to read it.

December 27, 2014

Douglas Kirk

I would like to send my condolences to the Ashton family. I moved to Vernal in 1973 and delivered papers twice a day to the homes of Ralph and his brother Stewart. They always seemed to have time for a smile and a kind word for a 14yr old kid. I have a tremendous respect for a man who lived a life of service and kindness to those around him. I know many others in Ashley Valley feel the same. It is hard on many levels to see these wonderful windows into the past closing one by one. I am sure that Ralph will hear the words "Well done, though good and faithful servant."

Best regards from Douglas Kirk and family

December 26, 2014

I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of Ralph Ashton for the loss of a wonderful man, father, grandfather and uncle. Over the past few years that I have had the privilege of working with Ralph I have come to like and respect him as a good and kind man, a hard worker who tried his best at anything that I would ask him in the course of his physical therapy, with many a wonderful conversations, one who loved his family and fellow men.
With deepest regards and appreciation for the friendship with Ralph and his family,
Gisela H. Tippetts, PTA @ Emeritus @ Salt Lake

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11:00 a.m.

The Cathedral Church of St. Mark

231 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, UT

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Evans & Early Mortuary

574 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84102

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