Ben Ashley

Benjamin Santti Ashley, 87, of Rexburg, Idaho, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, in St. Anthony, Idaho. Over the years, Benjamin made his home in Detroit, Michigan; San Diego, California; San Jose, California; La Mirada, California; Fullerton, California; and most recently in Rexburg, Idaho (Hibbard).

Ben was born on January 25, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, to Benjamin (Ashkenazi) Ashley and Ann Amanda Santti.

Ben attended elementary school in San Diego, California and graduated from Campbell High School, San Jose, California in 1956.

After graduation, Ben enlisted in the United States Army in 1957 and completed training at Fort Ord, California. He served with the 5th Division, 2nd Infantry Squad, M-1 Rifle Division. During the Vietnam War, he served stateside, working as a cook in what he affectionately called "Soups & Sauces."

Following his military service, Ben remained in California and attended college in San Jose, where he studied business. A man of diverse talents and entrepreneurial spirit, he founded Far West Construction Company. Earlier in his career, he worked in retail selling men's clothing in San Jose, and in high school, he pursued door-to-door magazine sales and worked at a pea packing plant.

Ben's professional career flourished in the banking and savings and loan industry across California, where he held leadership positions with American Savings, Great Western, FinFed, Downey Savings, Valencia Bank, Beverly Hills Savings and Loan, and Union Bank (where he met and hired Young Hong). Beyond his professional achievements, he served his community with distinction as a La Mirada city council member for two four-year terms and as mayor for two terms.

On December 26, 1958, Ben married his first wife, Virginia A. Bickhaus, in Los Angeles, California. Together, they had two children: Todd Santti and Laura (Laurie) Eleanor. Virginia passed away on April 30, 1994, from pancreatic cancer and was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

In 1989, Ben moved to Fullerton, California, where he met Kathy Bolland. After dating for several years, they were married on July 18, 2009.

Benjamin's life was characterized by adventure, service, and a deep commitment to family and community. He was an accomplished adventurer who loved motorcycle riding throughout the United States and Canada. His passions also included hunting and fishing, which took him to destinations including New Zealand, Mexico, and several states in the U.S. In 1980, he embarked on an African safari. One of his proudest moments came during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, when he carried the Olympic torch through La Mirada.

In 2004, Ben retired to Rexburg, Idaho, drawn by its proximity to many of the places he had traveled to fish and hunt. He also wanted Kathy to be closer to her family. Together, they bought property and built their home in Hibbard. Ben enjoyed countless fishing, camping, ATV riding, and hunting trips with family and friends.

Benjamin was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia Bickhaus Ashley; his parents; his brother, Sanford; and his stepdaughter, Mikayla Park.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy Bolland Ashley; his children, Laurie (Frank) Weber and Todd (Joanne) Ashley, stepdaughter Rachel White, son-in-law Don Park, and honorary son Young (Sharon) Hong; sister Margaret (Mike) Haines; grandchildren Ashley (Brian) Zeches, Brett Weber, Ryan (Ericka) Ashley, Emilio Ashley, Dana Burns,Taygen (Kelbie) Park and Ashlynn Park; and seven great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, November 7, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. at the Hibbard LDS Chapel, 2001 N. 3000 W., Rexburg, Idaho.

A graveside service will be held at Wilford Idaho Cemetery.