[Update] Ashton Smith Obituary, Cause of death

Ashton Lee Smith, a remarkable person born on March 1, 1920, left this world peacefully on March 3, 2023, just two days after his joyous 103rd birthday celebration which was attended by many people. Let’s take a closer look at the life of Ashton Lee Smith, a man whose legacy will undoubtedly surpass other stories of his time.

Early years in Enoch, Utah

Ashton’s journey began in Enoch, Utah, where he was the eldest child of Stanley Abner Smith and Grace Ashton Jones Smith. His upbringing was idyllic, full of love and happiness, growing up on a picturesque farm surrounded by horses, chickens, pigs and dairy cows. He was greatly influenced by his family’s musical talents and he developed a deep love of music, actively engaging in barbershop singing and participating in choirs and quartets.

Education and Missionary Service

After attending a one-room school in Enoch, Ashton attended Branch Agricultural College (now SUU) in Cedar City. His passion for music continued to blossom, and in December 1940 he embarked on a missionary journey to the Eastern States Mission, where he joined a choir of missionaries who gave several public performances throughout Pennsylvania.

Love, Marriage and World War II

On May 14, 1943, Ashton married his beloved Mathel Moore of Parowan, Utah, and sealed their love for time and eternity in the St. George Temple. Their love was immediately tested when their first child, Sherry Lee, was born in June 1944 and two days later Ashton received his draft for World War II. In December, when he left for training in July, he was on a ship bound for the Philippines.

Bravery in the Philippines

Ashton served valiantly in the 149th Regiment, 38th Infantry Division and played a crucial role in retaking the Bataan Peninsula from the entrenched Japanese army. He suffered a serious injury from a Japanese tank shell, but showed tremendous resilience and returned to combat after a brief recovery period. His wife Mathel received a package containing a Purple Heart medal, which caused great concern until she received a letter from Ashton confirming its safety.

pursuit of education and career

After the war, Ashton continued his education at the University of Utah, graduating in 1949 with a BS degree in education. He then began his teaching career and took a position as a math teacher at a high school in Tooele. In addition, he served as bishop in the 9th District of Tooele, demonstrating his commitment to his church and community.

A life of service

In 1954, Ashton and his family moved to Salt Lake City, where he taught math at various middle schools and West High School for many years. His passion for mathematics never waned and he continued his education, earning a master’s degree in education with a concentration in mathematics from the University of Utah in 1961.

Ashton Smith Obituary: A Legacy of Love and Devotion

Throughout his life, Ashton and Mathel served as ordination ministers in both the Salt Lake and Bountiful Temples, embodying their unwavering commitment to their faith. Even after retiring from teaching, they began an 18-month mission in 1989-1991 in the Chicago Temple, where Ashton served as Master Sealer, sealing families for eternity. Unfortunately, the world has lost a beloved soul. Obituary for Ashton Smith serves as evidence of a life well-lived, devoted to service to others and strengthening family ties through his sacred work in the temples. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A loving family man

Ashton and Mathel’s 50th wedding anniversary in 1993 was a testament to their enduring love. However, on April 11, 2005, Mathel passed away after suffering a stroke at her home in Bountiful. Ashton remained independent and continued to take care of his home and garden until he moved to Centerville to live with his daughter Geniel in the late ’90s, where he was lovingly cared for by his daughter Sherry Lee in his final months.

Ashton Smith Obituary: Remembering Ashton Lee Smith

Ashton Lee Smith’s 100th birthday in 2020 was a huge celebration attended by over 200 friends and family, a testament to the impact he has had on countless lives. With more than 100 descendants, Ashton’s legacy of love and kindness lives on in the hearts of those he touched. Before him died his parents, brothers Gordon, Drex and Udell (Khay), as well as his beloved wife Mathel. He is survived by his sisters Anna (Gary) Turner and Grace Marie (Ron) Dennis, his children Sherry (Bob) Lee, Geniel (Scott) Sly, Craig (Barbara) Smith, Valerie (Joe) Bond, Richard (Bonnie) Smith, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren.

Ashton Smith Obituary: Final Farewell

Obituary for Ashton Smith Ashton Lee Smith’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Centerville 2nd Ward Chapel, 1475 North 50 East (Carrington Lane), Centerville, Utah. There will be a pre-service viewing on Friday, March 10, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main, Bountiful, Utah and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will take place at Memorial Lakeview Cemetery in Bountiful.

To honor the memory of Ashton Lee Smith, memorial trees or flowers for the family can be ordered through our dedicated flower shop. Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and this obituary page, beginning approximately 10 to 15 minutes before the service. Let us gather to remember and celebrate the life of Ashton Lee Smith, a true example of a good and faithful servant who has now entered a well-deserved rest.