Clyde Sterling Ashcroft

1934 - 2021

Clyde Sterling Ashcroft

Las Cruces - Clyde Sterling Ashcroft, 87, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away on March 18, 2021 in Las Cruces, NM.

Clyde Sterling Ashcroft was born in Farmington, New Mexico to Charles Ashcroft and Lelia Myrtle Hatch Ashcroft on January 29, 1934. He attended multiple schools across the Navajo Reservation; attending Gallup High for most of his senior year, but finishing/graduating from Farmington High. He attended Utah State University in Logan Utah. He operated Trading Posts throughout the Navajo Reservation (some of which are Tes Nez Iah, Teec Nos Pos, Becalbito, Jeddito; the last one being in Chambers, AZ) following in his family's footsteps. Clyde loved the Reservation and the Navajo people; He was fluent to speak and even to sing in the Navajo language.He was a Heavy Equipment/Blade Specialist working for Foutz and Bursom off and on duringhis life; he helped construct Navajo Dam and many different gas pipe line roads throughout New Mexico/Colorado, He retired from Apache County, AZ in 2009 as a Heavy Equipment/Blade Specialist. He is an Air Force veteran. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints serving in many different positions.

He married Aletta Bernice Wheeler on September 11, 1954 in Farmington, NM at the old chapel on 500 West Main.

Clyde is preceded in death by his loving spouse: Aletta Bernice Wheeler Ashcroft; his parents: Charles and Lelia Myrtle Ashcroft; his siblings & spouses: Charles O. & Ruth Ashcroft; Lelia & Stanley Smith; James & Zona Ashcroft; Elizabeth Lavina Ashcroft; Granddaughters: Selena Burney; Emily Ashcroft; Caja Lynette AshcroftGrandsons: Kadence Q Steele; Joshua Chambers, Great-Great Grandson: Amari

Clyde is survived by his children: Ronald Karl Ashcroft (Christine); Annette Marie Ashcroft; Bernice Arater (Charles); Cynthia Steele (Brian), Sheryl Ashcroft; Sterling Ashcroft; 23 Grandchildren; 41 Great grandchildren; 1 Great-Great grandchild; several nieces, nephews, cousins and 2 Aunts.

We, the family, wish to express our utmost gratitude and love to and for the Staff and Care Givers at Desert Peaks Assisted Living Center. For the love and care they gave to Daddy, especially this last year when none of the family could actually go in and be with Daddy. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

A funeral service is scheduled on March 27, 2021 at 11am (Viewing - 10am) at The Church ofJesus Christ of Latter Days Saints Idaho Chapel located at 2915 East Idaho Ave, Las Cruces,NM with a Military Honors service/burial at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso Texas on Monday, March 29, 2021 at 1030 am

The "Funeral Service" will be available to view via: http://twitch.tv/riograndeward

Arrangements are with La Paz - Graham's Funeral Home 555 West Amador Las Cruces NM,88005. To sign the online guess book visit www.LaPaz-Grahams.com. In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Parkinson's Research or a Hospice group in Daddy's memory