Richard Lee Ashcroft

Richard Lee Ashcroft
October 28, 1958 – February 10, 2026

Services will be streamed live at the following link:

Zoom link:

https://zoom.us/j/7418672185?pwd=VXpVRDJrZGxCQXVNSzNRWGtFbXVQUT09https://zoom.us/u/adbAD8Wn2u

Meeting ID: 741 867 2185
Passcode: 3nephi1822

Richard Lee Ashcroft was born on October 28, 1958, to Clyde and Erma Lee Ashcroft in Salt Lake City, Utah. At the age of 10, his family moved to West Jordan, Utah, surrounded by farmland, where he developed a strong work ethic and love for the outdoors.

Rick began working at 13 for various farmers in the area, learning responsibility and perseverance. The farm that taught him the most was the Bateman's Dairy Farm. At age 15, when the Batemans moved their dairy operation to the west side of Utah Lake, Rick moved on to other work, eventually finding a position at Dean's Service Station in West Jordan. There, over four years, he discovered his lifelong passion for mechanics - troubleshooting and repairing automobiles.

During this time, Rick rebuilt two cars: a 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback and a 1969 Mercury Cougar he found abandoned in a field, with a tree growing up through the engine compartment. This Cougar helped finance his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with his parents holding the savings and covering his mission expenses - something Rick always felt blessed him for the rest of his life.

At 19, Rick served a mission in Little Rock, Arkansas. This experience deepened his love of service and shaped the rest of his life, instilling a lifelong desire to help others whenever he could.

After returning home, he began working for the Utah Transit Authority, where he spent 17 years as a dedicated mechanic. During this time, he met Mary Jane Boswell through a blind date, whom he later married. Together, they raised five daughters and built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work.

Rick and Mary Jane purchased a home in Riverton, Utah, which they fixed up. Rick built a garage there for his taxidermy work. As their family grew, they decided to build a larger home on a one-acre plot in Bluffdale. Starting July 4, 1994, Rick, his father, and Mary Jane framed the house, moving in by October 10. Rick was involved in nearly every aspect of building the home, except the tile work, and considered it one of his proudest accomplishments. Over the years, he added a barn, a garage, and an addition, always improving the home he loved.

Rick was a devoted father and grandfather who cherished time with his family. He coached his daughters in softball, participated in 4-H, and helped raise show steers, lambs, and hogs. He loved hunting and spending time outdoors with his girls, creating memories in the mountains and woods that will never be forgotten. Time in nature brought him peace and joy. Through it all, he made each daughter feel valued, supported, and loved.

After completing the home, Rick accepted a position at Amoco Refinery. Shortly after starting, his symptoms of numbness and weakness in his legs became more noticeable, and he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis on October 31, 1995. Despite the challenges, he continued working and improving the home he loved, exemplifying strength, perseverance, and humility.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rick served in elders quorum presidencies, bishoprics, and as a ward and stake missionary. He was a teacher, a protector, and a Christlike example to all who knew him, always placing family and service above all else.

Rick was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Cory Alldredge; his sister, Tracy Lynn Ashcroft; and his parents, Clyde and Erma Lee Ashcroft.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Jane Ashcroft; five daughters - Candace Alldredge (Nate Turley), Brittany Vrotney (Stany Vrotney), Amanda Langford (Justin Langford), Cassidy Lewis (Blake Lewis), and Riki Black (Ian Black); 14 grandchildren - Hayes, Hart, Krew, Trey, Nixon, Brixlee, Knox, Lennyx, Averie, Ryker, Remi, Milo, Finch, and Rainy; and siblings Clydine Carlson (Dave Carlson), Chris Ashcroft (Collette Ashcroft), and Curtis Ashcroft (Connie Ashcroft).

Rick will be remembered not only for his skill as a mechanic and the home he built, but for his Christlike example, his humility, his strength, and his dedication to his family. He was a teacher, and he leaves a legacy of faith, service, and strength that will continue through his children and grandchildren.

Viewing and Funeral Services

A viewing for Rick will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wines Park Ward, 481 East 300 N, Lehi, Utah. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the same location, with a viewing beforehand at 9:30 AM. Friends and family are welcome to attend to honor and celebrate his life.