Obituary: Norma B. Ashton

Norma B. Ashton 1917 ~ 2007 After fully enjoying a rich and rewarding life of service as a wonderful wife, mother and friend, Norma B. Ashton passed away on February 18, 2007. She was taught by her parents John and Erma Wilson Berntson to strive for a life based on integrity and honesty. They also instilled in her a love of reading, learning and sports. From the time she was a young girl growing up in the Parleys area of Salt Lake City, she was blessed with a close family and wonderful friends. She enjoyed roller skating and skiing and later became a dedicated tennis player and golfer. She was a true "Utah Woman" having graduated from the University of Utah with a double major. Before getting her degree, she was active in nearly every aspect of student life including AWS, Delta Gamma, Mortar Board, Owl & Key and the Beehive Honor Society. She capped her collegiate experience as valedictorian and remained a supporter of her alma mater for the rest of her life. It was tennis that first introduced her to her best friend and future husband, Marvin J. Ashton. After ten years of tennis, his LDS mission and two college degrees between them, they married and continued to play tennis for decades. Their proudest accomplishments were four children and their spouses: John and Linda Ashton, Jonne and Dale Wheadon, Steve and Wendy Ashton, Janice and Leif Sorensen, and daughter-in-law Patty Ashton. They have provided them with 18 grandchildren and an ever-growing number of great grandchildren. She is also survived by four sisters: Phyllis McMullin, Dorothy Watkiss, Margaret Davis and Betty Olsen. Many of the most memorable family experiences took place in Holiday Park, Midway and at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Closely behind her love of family was a deep affection and commitment to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many positions in the Church including serving on the Relief Society General Board. She was a dedicated and untiring supporter of her husband's duties and travels as a member of the Council of the Twelve. They traveled together to hundreds of countries and made thousands of friends, many for a lifetime. She was a woman who embraced family and friends while consistently trying to make a positive difference in the lives of those she touched even though she didn't always agree with their beliefs or behavior. She will be deeply missed, but she departs with no regrets on the part of family and friends. She was a remarkable woman, wife and mother. There will be a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 23, at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple. Funeral services to celebrate and honor her life will be at noon the next day at the Ensign Stake Center, 135 "A" St. The service will be preceded by a visitation from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. She would have preferred that those so inclined make a contribution to the Marvin J. Ashton scholarship or the Tanner Humanities Center at the University of Utah in lieu of flowers. On-line condolences www.larkinmortuary.com