Wayne Ellis Ashby

Wayne Ellis Ashby, 87, of West Jordan, Utah, died on February 14, 2026 after succumbing to years of poor health and Alzheimer’s disease. Born in Salt Lake City on May 28, 1938 to William Earl and Norien Evangeline Jarvis Ashby, Wayne was the youngest of 10 children. He graduated from West High School in 1956 and from the University of Utah in 1963. Wayne served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northwestern States Mission. He married Janice Miller on March 19, 1963 in the Logan Temple. For 14 years, Wayne worked as a teacher at Granite and Kearns High Schools and Westlake Junior High (now Middle) School. Subsequently, he worked as a computer programmer and for the Church.

Wayne was a man of many interests and talents. He loved music and was known for his beautiful bass voice. Besides singing hymns in choirs and as a soloist for church congregations over the years, Wayne performed in three stake plays, including the light opera Die Fledermaus, in which he portrayed Dr. Falke, and two original local productions, playing the roles of Joseph Smith and Franklin D. Richards. He showed his appreciation for the arts by attending many plays, operas, and performances by the Utah Symphony, with his wife by his side. One of Wayne’s fondest pastimes was working in his yard – he had a wonderful gift for growing roses and maintaining an immaculate lawn. He was also a true handyman, fixing things as needed and improving the family home. A great storyteller, Wayne often entertained family with tales from his mission and his youth. In his later years, he devoted many hours to making artwork with watercolors and colored pencils, his subjects most often older model automobiles, historical scenes, and his childhood home. He and Janice loved to travel, especially on cruises and to visit children and grandchildren living in distant parts of the country. In his more active years, Wayne enjoyed camping, hiking, and fishing with his family.

While many considered Wayne a man of few words, when he spoke, his words were purposeful and insightful. He taught his children with love and inspired them through his example, being an excellent role model for them to follow, as they went on to raise their own children. Visits from his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren always brought a smile to his face. Wayne cherished Janice and was especially appreciative of her tireless caregiving in his final years.

Wayne had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ, and as a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he gladly served in many callings. He particularly enjoyed teaching Gospel Doctrine classes. He also volunteered for several years working in the Jordan River Temple, as a host at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, and at the Family History Library. Wayne and Janice served for 18 months in the Salt Lake City South Mission with great devotion for the gospel and the many people they encountered.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Janice, and their six children, David Wayne (Cheryl) of Utah, JoEllen Mitchell of Massachusetts, John Jefford (Marianne) of Virginia, Adam Earl (Heather) of Utah, Blake Miller (Meagan) of Michigan, and Nathan Joseph (Holly) of Texas, 29 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings.

Funeral Services will be held on February 27th at 11:00 am, with viewing from 9:30 to 10:30, at the Bingham Creek Stake Center, 8539 S. 2200 W, West Jordan, Utah. A visitation will be held at the same location on February 26th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. If you are unable to attend the funeral, you can watch the service on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/95589111717

The family wishes to thank Riverway Assisted Living and Memory Care and Atlas Hospice for their tender care of Wayne in his final days. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Services.