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LANCE ASHTON Obituary

Lance Ashton "Dancin' Lance" 1960 ~ 2011 Melvin Lance Ashton, beloved father, son, brother and friend passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with ALS on January 5, 2011, in the home of his loving friends and caregivers, David Ruark and LeeAnn AshtonRuark.Lance was born October 29, 1960, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Judith Rowley and Melvin Ashton. Lance's greatest joys were his beautiful children, sons Riley and Eli and daughter Emerson. Second only to his children was his love of dancing and singing. Music spoke to Lance and was his language of choice Red Butte Garden was his venue. Lance loved his church, the South Valley Unitarian Universalist community where he found great happiness and peace. Lance is his little brother Layne's hero sometimes all we had were each other. He was his mother's pride and joy. Lance never missed a day of school and graduated from Granite High School in 1979 having achieved 12 years of perfect attendance. He was proud to be a "Farmer" and just before he lost his ability to speak he sang the "Song of the G" from memory. Lance was a Utah Jazz fan. He loved fishing and caught his first fish at Moon Lake. He was a star little league football player and was KALL Radio's "Little League Tackler of the Week" multiple times. Lance was an award-winning printing press operator, a partner in Legal Copy of Salt Lake, and with Bree owned Grounds for Coffee on 2000 East 3300 South. The coffee shop was Lance's dream and there he created an atmosphere of community and friendship he loved you all. During the course of his life Lance married and later divorced three different times. These lovely ladies were Cecila Baker, LeeAnn Baker and BreeAnn Berger. He remained friends with each of them with LeeAnn being his best friend and caregiver at the end of his life. Lance is survived by his three children, mother Judith (John) Humphrey, father Melvin (Taunya) Ashton, brothers Layne (Dot), Wayne (Lilia), Adam (Paula), special cousin/brother Don Jaeger, sister Amber, Uncle Paul, aunts, nephews, nieces, and many friends. Lance's final wish was that he wanted people to remember "I lived life to the fullest, I loved unconditionally and once a friend, always a friend." Truer words were never spoken. A celebration of Lance's life will be held at the South Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 6876 Highland Dr., Salt Lake City on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. The family wishes to express its gratitude to Dr. Mark Bromberg and Staff and Summit Home Health and Hospice. In lieu of flowers please make contributions in Lance's name to KRCL 90.9 FM Radio Free Utah 1971 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84116. Arrangements entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.starksfuneral.com Lance is dancing and singing again. Namaste

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Jan. 9, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for LANCE ASHTON

Not sure what to say?





Suzanne McArthur

January 3, 2023

My dearest Lance. Not a day goes by that I don´t think about you and miss you dearly! I have your picture on my desk at work and smile when I look at it! I have such beautiful memories of you! You truly inspired me, and I was so blessed to be able to come visit you those few times to help you. I love you and miss you! Keep dancing! I sure will!

Emerson Ashton/hamp

July 16, 2020

I miss you dad, I never knew you that well, as I was so young when you died. I knew I loved you and you loved me. I still have the card you gave me on my second birthday. From your daughter Emerson.

Stephanie McOmie

February 3, 2011

I sure am sorry you had to deal with all the pains you did! I am so grateful we got to talk again! I hate that after Mike's death we lost touch and lost so much time! Thank you for all you words of courage to me when you were going through so much! You truly are a wonderful soul! I am so thankful we got to talk this last summer, I will never forget what you said to me! Live for the moment! Love you Lance!

Lance with his brother in-law and sister in-law, Christmas Day 2009

February 3, 2011

Daddy and daughter, taken 5/28/09

February 3, 2011

Soccer game, taken 5/11/06

February 3, 2011

Dad comforting son, taken 5/14/07

February 3, 2011

Brothers, taken 10/17/10

February 3, 2011

Proud, happy new Daddy, Christmas time 2001

February 3, 2011

Friends... David and Lance, taken 7/20/10

February 3, 2011

Dad and Son, Disneyland, taken 4/15/05

February 3, 2011

Mom and her boys

February 3, 2011

Family gathering, taken 10/17/10

February 3, 2011

Lance's 50th

LeeAnn Ashton-Ruark

February 3, 2011

Lance, our hearts and home are empty without you here, we miss you so. I'm so sorry you had to struggle with such an awful disease but as your doctor said, you had a steadfast will, and for that I thank you. You battled through your struggles with grace and dignity. You showed us what true character strengths are all about and we all learned together how to create a loving and caring blended family unit. We came full circle! You would be so proud of your mother, she has shown such strength! I will miss everything about you; your gestures of thanks, your sharp mind, the love you showed for our son as well as me and David, your hugs, your knowledge of music, our quiet feeding times where without saying anything at all, we had wonderful conversations. Yes, our hearts and home are emptier without you here, but we are so very grateful for that time and we are finding peace, thanks to you. I promise to do my best with Riley; he's so much like you, thank you! Until we meet again... sing, dance, walk, talk, eat, and be free from your hardships here on earth. I miss taking care of you but know you're being taken care of just fine! Thank you for the wonderful memories and for living in the moment, you helped me more than I can say. You truly are an amazing soul. I love you Lance, remember our deal... ~

January 18, 2011

Lance, I'm forever grateful that I had the chance to become your friend. Your strength taught me much about living life to its fullest and treasuring your loved ones.

Much love buddy,

Mark & Ashley Kittrell

Rick & Shirley Rubow

January 17, 2011

You have been a great friend and neighbor. Your strength has been a great inspiration.

January 16, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to all Lance's family and friends. I know now, that Lance is in peace in body, mind, and spirit. We will miss him, but Heaven is a better place with him in it.
Love, the Bradshaw family.

January 16, 2011

Judy,Layne,&Lance's children our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Lance has touched so many people during his time on earth. Take comfort in knowing that we will be together forever in heaven some day.
Love you
Todd & Dawn Monson

Trish Petersen

January 13, 2011

Dear Judy, My thoughts are with you girl. I have thought of you so many times and prayed you are safe. Now Lance can watch over you always and much easier. He is a very special guy. He will be missed by many. I love you Grandma Judy.

Lynn & Jeanene Larsen

January 13, 2011

Dearest Judy, It's been years since we spoke, but I will never forget having you and the boys as neighbors on Red Maple Road. We still laugh about those days. Our love to you and all of your family.

Suzanne Patterson

January 12, 2011

Lance you're not only a loyal, loving, empowering friend, your the conduit which created a legacy of friendships. Unity, acceptance, giving, loving, compassionate, honest; not words, the way you lived your life. You've touched my life immeasurably, I'm forever grateful. My sincere condolences to your beautiful children and wonderful family.

Joyce Stevens

January 11, 2011

Our sincere sympathies are with all of Lance's family. We are sorry for your loss. Lee Ann and Riley, we are thinking of you and wish you comfort.

I went to high school with Lance. He married my cousin. My favorite memory of Lance is still vivid in my mind: watching Lance and Lee Ann play lovingly at my parents' home with our second daughter who was just on the verge of walking. She took her first steps with them!!!! What a happy moment of my life. Thanks for being part of it.

As Lance now embarks on a new life in heaven, I picture his smile, a fully healthy spirit with no more pain ever again, and many friends and family to greet him. May this offer some comfort and peace to all who grieve.

Steve and Laurie Egan

January 11, 2011

We met Lance through baseball as well. Riley impressed us by the way he was so caring and considerate of our son and the other team players. It was obvious to us that he developed a lot of that sensitivity from his parents. Lance was just a genuinely nice guy. We are so glad to have had the opportunity to have met him and his family. All of our love,

Maureen Duffy-Boose

January 11, 2011

I see you dancing, Lance. I remember your smile, and I feel honored that I knew you when you could speak, because you said things I will never forget. You were one of the reasons, when I went there, that SVUUS was a "welcoming congregation" for me. I look forward to seeing you again where all pain has ended. Rest well, my friend

Melvin My Best Friend

Tony Mancuso

January 11, 2011

MELVIN
My oldest and dearest friend. I am going to miss you more than words can say. I was truly blessed to have you as a best friend. You are loved by so many. Be at peace Melvin until we meet again.

Brothers Road Trippin' 2009

Layne Ashton

January 11, 2011

Lance –

My tormentor – My defender.
My nemesis – My hero.
My big brother - My best friend.

I love you pal.

Shawn Ferre

January 10, 2011

We got to know Lance initially through T-Ball with Riley and couldn't help but becoming friends immediately - he was so friendly and willing to help with anything. We were impressed when Lance showed up at a neighborhood "Giving and Gathering" with a donation after he had been diagnosed with ALS - he probably should have been home taking care of himself, but he was thinking of others. Please know that our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Shawn & Michelle Ferre

Rich Saalsaa

January 10, 2011

Lance, Godspeed and all the angels in heaven are there to welcome you. You are a Prince, and gentle soul. You will be greatly missed. Rich and Susan Saalsaa.

Dana Kovacs

January 10, 2011

I did not know Lance, but after reading this wonderfully written obituary, it is very clear that he was well loved by many. Please accept my condolences on your loss.

BREE,LANCE,ANGELA,ROY,ELI'S MOM&DAD/WITH BIRTH-MOTHER&FATHER,ANGELA,ROY:

ANGELA&ROY CABRERA/MORRIS

January 10, 2011

LANCE WE LOVE U SO MUCH, I CAN REMEMBER WHEN ROY & I, FIRST MEET WITH YOU AND BREE.WE WON'T EVER FORGET THAT DAY,CAUSE I TOLD ROY DON'T ORDER ANY BEER,OR ANY KIND OF ALCOHOL,WITH HIS MEAL.ROY & I DID NOT KNOW THIS BUT BREE TOLD LANCE THE SAME-THING."SMILE" SO WE ALL SAT DOWN FOR DINNER,AND ROY WAS LOOKING AT ME,AND I JUST KEEPED GIVEING HIM THAT EYE,NOT TO DO IT. THEN WE HEAR LANCE TELLING THE WAITER,I WOULD LIKE A GLASS OF WINE.LANCE ASK ROY IF HE WANTS ANYTHING,ROY SAY'S SURE,THEN ROY ORDERS A HEINEKEN.THEN BREE TELLS US THAT SHE TOLD LANCE,NOT TOO DRINK-ALCOHOL WITH HIS DINNER.AND ROY & I JUST LAUGHED AT EACHOTHER, AND FROM THAT DAY ON,ROY & I KNEW THAT LANCE, WOULD BE THE BEST DAD FOR OUR SON ELI.CAUSE WE BOTH LIKED HOW LANCE WAS BEING HIMSELF. LANCE NOW YOU ARE WITH ANGELS, YOU WILL BE MISSED.

January 10, 2011

I miss you so much Dad. Thank you for being the best dad ever, you taught me so many things that I will never forget. I am who I am because of you. Thank you for coming to my games even when you were so sick. As hard as it was to see you so sick, I feel lucky to have had you here every single day. I promise to make you proud in everything I do in my life. So, when I throw my first no hitter, or hit my first grand slam, remember it will be for you, my dad... my hero. Love, your son Riley

Linda Baker-Brecke

January 10, 2011

To Lance's family and friends, I have many fond memories of Lance and i driving the old Subaru into snow banks and on the bumps of Highland Drive and we laughed, good times to be remembered. My heart goes out to you of your loss of a wonderful person.
Linda Baker Brecke

Dani Lyon

January 10, 2011

Lance was one of the sweetest people I have ever met in my life. Always ready with a smile and a hug. He could make the darkest day the lightest. Fly free my dear friend until we meet again. :)

Leigh Widerburg

January 10, 2011

Peace, love and light forever

Suzanne Ruark

January 9, 2011

To Lance's family, my deepest condolences! He was an amazing person, such a dear friend. His strength and grace is an inspiration to us all. His beautiful spirit lives on with everyone he touched. Dance, Lance, we'll never forget you! I love you!

Sheri Jaeger

January 9, 2011

Dear sweet Lance,
You lived life to the fullest. I know you will continue to do the same on the other side. I will miss you more than you know. Please say hello to Mike, David and Justin.

Pam Boren

January 9, 2011

Judy, I am so sorry for your loss. Lance did you proud.

January 9, 2011

Dear Judy, I am so sorry for your loss. I have thought of you many times over the years. Pam Boren

Courtland Curtis

January 9, 2011

Lance- You truly showed me the beauty in so many things. I am so grateful that I can call you a friend. I've been playing Uncle Tupelo especially loud.

Courtland

David and Natalie McCraigh

January 9, 2011

Dancin' Free.

Leslie Lingle

January 9, 2011

Dearest Cuz: What a great man you are. You are now free and can continue living life to the fullest. What a compassionate man you were and always will be. We'll see you on the other side, and maybe go dancing. Love to you, Leslie

Lissa Lander

January 9, 2011

Thanks Lance for the love and inspiration.

McCall McMonigle

January 9, 2011

Dearest Lance,
I will miss you so. Thank you for the love you have always shown me and for allowing me to be part of your family.
Much Love,
Mac

Tracie

January 9, 2011

To Lance's family: My heartfelt condolences. Though I didn't know Lance, it sounds like he was a gift from God and he also ran into many such people throughout his life. May God bless you all.

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