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R. Ashton Obituary
Dennis Ashton, a quiet man, a fierce warrior, left this life in triumph. He was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, brother and doctor.
We are sad because it's over, but we smile because he lived.
He is survived by his wife, Joan, his daughters Erin (Dave) Gubler and Brodi (Sam Johnson) Ashton, his grandkids Abram, Josh, Necie, Asher, Carter and Beckham, his brothers David (Sandy) Ashton, Ron (Vicki) Ashton, Jon (Pat) Ashton, sisters Kathy (Brent) Harper, Jane (Kent) Norton. He was preceded in death by his parents Reed and Emma Lucy Ashton, and Bernice "Yaya" Dorrity Jacobson.
A viewing will be held Monday, April 30, 2012 from 6-8 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary (3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84106). Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 1st, 2012 at the Holladay 25th Ward Building located at 4650 Naniloa Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84117. Family and friends may visit beginning at 9:30.
Thank you to the angels at the Huntsman Cancer Institute
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for R. Ashton
Brad Ernstsen
April 22, 2019
I'm grateful to have known Dr Ashton, he took wonderful care of my 5 children, he was a kind and gentle man, he was humble for a man who was highly educated, I will never forget the loving care he gave my family.
May 25, 2012
Joan and Family -
Jack and I didn't know of Dennis' passing for a couple of weeks and were very sad to hear the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you all with comfort and peace. Jack and Linda Elder
May 4, 2012
Joan: We were so sorry to hear of Dennis' passing. We hope you are getting through the grief and heartache and realize how difficult this time can be. Susan had her lung transplant over 5 weeks ago but is still struggling in the hospital. We send our love to you and your family and I will always be grateful for being able to grow up with Dennis. All our best to you. Love, Grant & Susan Cannon
Linda & Rod Brown
May 4, 2012
Joan, We are so sorry about Dennis' passing. We love you and our prayers are with you now and always. Families are Forever....
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Oeser's
May 2, 2012
He was an amazing doctor! Thank you for all you have done.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Amber McCallister
May 1, 2012
Today we all say goodbye to a kind, humble, compassionate doctor and friend. Dr Ashton cared for my children in thier youngest years. He was our pediatrician during our most medically challenging expierances. He and his nurse Anita were my rock durig some very scarey times and cheered me on through nursing school. Dennis will be truely missed.
May 1, 2012
To the Family of Doctor Dennis Ashton,
I am saddened to hear of Dennis's passing. I knew Dennis at Lafayette School, Horace Mann Junior High, West High School and the University of Utah. As you know, Dennis was a gentleman. In all those years, I rarely spoke with him, but his interaction with the people on the playground, in the class room or on the basketball court, revealed a kind and gentle person. I hope the pain of his passing will dissipate soon.
Leonard Koda
Kim and Penelope Harris
May 1, 2012
Our family is saddened by the passing of dear Dr. Ashton. In many ways he was the 7th member of our family. From being present to the birth of our first child, to the ear infections, strep throats, stitches, broken collarbones, chickenpox, appendicitis, and assorted other illnesses of 4 children, Dr. Ashton was a calm voice to a worried mom. Our love to all of you at this difficult time!
Becky L
May 1, 2012
Dr. Ashton was the best Dr ever, he helped me overcome my fear doctors. He will be truly missed, this world was blessed by his presents here.
Alaina Stonebraker
May 1, 2012
Dr Ashton was my doctor he was a really good doc I really miss him. he was so sweet and was te best doc I ever had.
April 30, 2012
Dear Ashton Family, I was so sorry to hear of Denny's passing. (That's the name by which I knew Dennis.) We were Capitol Hill friends long before we attended Lafayette, Horace Mann, and then West High School together. Denny certainly accomplished a great deal in his short life and was deeply loved by so many. I pray you may feel peace and comfort at his passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I feel blessed to have called Denny one of my choicest childhood friends.
Susan Perschon Perri
Michelle Chamberlain
April 30, 2012
"Bad things happen to the best people" certainly applies to Dennis, who was one of the kindest, most soft-spoken and humble people I have ever known. He was a compassionate partner, friend and doctor, and he is going to be missed by so many people. He taught us all so much about not only living life, but also about dying with courage and strength. I never once heard him complain, and amazingly, he and his family managed to keep a sense of humor even during the most difficult times. He seemed at peace when most of us would have been quesioning "why me?" He was selfless, and always put others' needs before his own. I will never forget the day that he found out that his cancer had recurred, and he continued caring for his patients until the end of the day, putting his own devastating news on hold for the sake of others. He was a true hero in every sense of the word, and I cannot begin to express my admiration for this wonderful man. He will always be my role model in life and in medicine. This world will not be the same without him here, and Willowcreek Pediatrics will never recover form his absence. But we will continue to take the best possible care of our patients, with compassion and dedication, because that is what Dennis taught us. Dennis, I hope you are finally resting in peace, knowing what an incredible person you were in this life. You will forever be loved and missed.
courtney
April 30, 2012
Dr Ashton thank you for everything you did for my family.God bless your family
courtney glad
April 30, 2012
To hear of Dr Ashton passing is very sad to my two kids and I. He was my Dr while I was growing up and then my kids Dr. He made going to the Dr fun. He was always teasing the kids and giving them a tongue depressor to play with. He was very big on safety and children being in car seats. He will be missed. Thank you Dr Ashton. God bless family.
Melody Terry
April 30, 2012
Dr. Ashton was and amazing man. He helped both my boys so much but was so great with my son through his battle with cancer (both times). He has been so missed at the office and in our hearts. I am so sorry for your families loss and will keep you in our prayers. Thank you for sharing such an amazing man with our family!
April 30, 2012
What a sweet & wonderful doctor! In 1978 I took my new baby for her 1st check-up! Boy was I the lucky one to have choosen Dr. Ashton. My grandchildren also went to him until he left his practice. On behalf of my family, we send our thoughts & prayers to his wife, children & grandchildren. Love, Chris, Courtney, Byron & Alexandria
Brad Ernstsen
April 30, 2012
What a great man and Doctor! Twenty one years ago he sent my youngest son in a ambulance to the hospital, where he followed, when he didn't need to. He helped give my child a blessing.He not only had faith in his work, science, also in God and the priesthood.I will always appreciate his love and care for my family.May you find comfort in your time of need.
Richy Steadman
April 30, 2012
Dr. Ashton helped me stay alive and always let me know that everything was going to be ok. Best Doctor EVER!
April 30, 2012
Joanie and family,
We are saddened by the loss of your beloved husband and father. We hope peace and love will fill your hearts at this time. He was a great cousin and friend. John and Christine Hofheins Donaldson
Alissa and Brandon Owen
April 30, 2012
Brodi, Sam, Joan and Erin, We are so sorry for your loss of this great man. You are all very inspiring and we can see his legacy living on through all of your good lives. Love, Alissa and Brandon Owen and family
The Huff Family
April 29, 2012
We love Dr. Ashton! We were just talking about him at dinner tonight and how my kids loved it when he called them "Super Troopers". We miss him, but appreciate all he did for us by being an excellent doctor.
Pichardo
April 29, 2012
May the Lord bring peace and healing to the Ashton family.
Robyn Foulger
April 29, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Ashton family at this time of loss. Dr. Ashton treated all of the Steadman kids (we were the thickest file) and even some of their kids. He was more than just a wise, compassionate, and caring doctor; he was a trusted friend. I couldn't have raised my kids without him! Thank your sharing this wonderful man with us.
Sally Ormsby
April 29, 2012
Dennis was a great mentor and fabulous partner! I so appreciated his quiet, steady, and determined leadership. Even now, whenever we are having difficulties in our office, I think, "how would Dennis handle this?" He had a way of distilling our disparate opinions and melding them into an acceptable compromise. He NEVER complained, and even when he was ill and I would call to check in with him, he'd always manage to turn the conversation around to me and my family. So considerate... Love to you and your family Joan. I will miss Dennis dearly.
Rebecca Touhuni
April 29, 2012
Dr. Ashton was an amazing doctor, and an incredible human being. He was so patient with a new mother and her autistic son. I will always be grateful for his support as I learned of my son's challenges. He has the kindest smile, and a heart of gold. God bless you, Dr. Ashton. You made such a difference in our lives!
The Cullimore Family
April 28, 2012
Dr. Ashton has been a wonderful Dr. for our children. We started going to him in 1980 with our first of 5 children, and he saw then all grown! We are so grateful to have had him. We all remember him walking in, "Hey Kiddo" and tapping them with his fist on the leg or head! What a great doctor! Thank you for your sacrifices as he prepared for his career and then gave to so many families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, may you feel peace, love, and great comfort, today and through the months and years ahead. We are sorry for your loss. I have loved your blog. Thanks for sharing your experiences! Prayers and Gratitude to each of you!
Laura S.
April 28, 2012
Dr. Ashton was the pediatrician to my boys until we moved and switched to a closer practice a few years ago. I'm so sorry to see he passed away. He was a great guy with kids and I'm sorry the world lost him.
The Steele Family
April 28, 2012
Our thoughts are with Dr. Ashton's family during this difficult time. He was a great Dr. and our children loved him. Thanks for sharing him with us.
Kathy O'Mara
April 28, 2012
Dennis was a great partner, friend, mentor and a quiet but effective leader. He was the heart and soul of Willowcreek Pediatrics and has been and will be missed. Rest peacefully, you deserve it Dennis!
Kathy O'Mara
April 28, 2012
Dennis was a great partner, friend, mentor and a quiet but effective leader. He was the heart and soul of Willowcreek Pediatrics and has been and will be missed. Rest peacefully, you deserve it Dennis! Love, Kate O
Laura Ayers
April 28, 2012
My love to the Ashton family. Dr. Ashton was an angel on earth & I'm sure he was welcomed with open arms into heaven, where he will continue his amazing work.
Chris Chytraus
April 28, 2012
To the Ashton Clot-
We are so sorry for your loss. Dennis will always have a special place in our hearts. He fought a valiant battle with the three of you by his side. Our prayers are with you and your families. All our love, Chris, Megan and Christopher Chytraus
Shelley Reed
April 28, 2012
My family loved Dr. Ashton! Even 25 years later when we pass his office on Highland Drive, my daughters will say "There's Dr Ashton's office!" He was an excellent doctor, he truly cared about his patients and I know he made a difference in this world. We are very sorry to hear of his passing. May God bless your family at this difficult time.
Wendy Hemingway
April 28, 2012
I have the greatest respect for Dr.Ashton.
Both my children were his patients and also my grand daughter. My son,30 years ago was really sick . Took him to the Doc and instead of treating me like I was an idiot and that I knew better than him . He believed me when I said something was strange with my child. He check and caught Meningitis> Luckily it was viral. I will always be indebted to him.
Thank you Doc,
Wendy Hemingway
Fabry Family
April 28, 2012
Our sincere sympathy to the family of Dr. Ashton. This gentle man was the doctor of our our daughters when they were young. He was so kind and patient. We fondly remembering him even taking a minute to check the favorite doll in tow. Thank you for sharing your wonderful husband & father with all of us.
Darrel Mills
April 28, 2012
Very sorry to hear this. I knew both Dennis and Joan at West High School. My deepest sympathies to Joan.
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