Lance Ashton
October 29, 1960 - January 5, 2011
Lance Ashton
“Dancin’ Lance”
1960 – 2011
Melvin Lance Ashton, beloved father, son, brother and friend passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with ALS on January 5, 2011, in the home of his loving friends and caregivers, David Ruark and LeeAnn Ashton–Ruark.
Lance was born October 29, 1960, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Judith Rowley and Melvin Ashton. Lance’s greatest joys were his beautiful children, sons Riley and Eli and daughter Emerson. Second only to his children was his love of dancing and singing. Music spoke to Lance and was his language of choice – Red Butte Garden was his venue. Lance loved his church, the South Valley Unitarian Universalist community where he found great happiness and peace. Lance is his little brother Layne’s hero – sometimes all we had were each other. He was his mother’s pride and joy.
Lance never missed a day of school and graduated from Granite High School in 1979 having achieved 12 years of perfect attendance. He was proud to be a “Farmer” and just before he lost his ability to speak he sang the “Song of the G” from memory. Lance was a Utah Jazz fan. He loved fishing and caught his first fish at Moon Lake. He was a star little league football player and was KALL Radio’s “Little League Tackler of the Week” multiple times.
Lance was an award-winning printing press operator, a partner in Legal Copy of Salt Lake, and with Bree owned Grounds for Coffee on 2000 East 3300 South. The coffee shop was Lance’s dream and there he created an atmosphere of community and friendship – he loved you all.
During the course of his life Lance married and later divorced three different times. These lovely ladies were Cecila Baker, LeeAnn Baker and BreeAnn Berger. He remained friends with each of them with LeeAnn being his best friend and caregiver at the end of his life.
Lance is survived by his three children, mother Judith (John) Humphrey, father Melvin (Taunya) Ashton, brothers Layne (Dot), Wayne (Lilia), Adam (Paula), special cousin/brother Don Jaeger, sister Amber, Uncle Paul, aunts, nephews, nieces, and many friends.
Lance’s final wish was that he wanted people to remember “I lived life to the fullest, I loved unconditionally and once a friend, always a friend.” Truer words were never spoken.
A celebration of Lance’s life will be held at the South Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 6876 Highland Dr., Salt Lake City on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, at 6:30 p.m.
The family wishes to express its gratitude to Dr. Mark Bromberg and Staff and Summit Home Health and Hospice.
In lieu of flowers please make contributions in Lance’s name to KRCL 90.9 FM – Radio Free Utah – 1971 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84116.
Lance is dancing and singing again. Namaste
In Loving Memory
Lance, What a wonderful friend who alway made us feel loved when we would see him. A man of gold such a kind person, With the biggest smile that we will alway remeber we loved Lance so much and will miss him. He was the best and most devotad dad we new. Love Alan and Ray
Ray, Alan
salt lake, ut
Mel and family. We were saddened to read of the death of Lance. Although our lives have taken us to different areas, we think of you often and remember the days when we were closer. You are in our thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow.
Larry Hardwick
salt lake city, ut
To the family of Lance We had the honor of meeting him during the ALS walk this Spring. We knew he was fighting tough . So we would like to express our deepest condolences to all of you for his loss. Know that he is free at least for we watched our sister suffer from the same disease . God Bless all of you and know that you are all in our thoughts and Prayers .
Mike & Marie Neri
Clinton, UT
Lance, you are missed my friend, always loved your smile, hugs, and righteous brew !!! You are a trully bright light and I hope to catch you on the other side my friend!!! Whit
whit carlberg
portland, or
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Ashton and Family, I really miss seeing Lance at South Valley Unitarian. It must be very difficult for you to accept the passing away of your dear son. I lost my eldest brother Ed to ALS as well last March. I hope and pray that you will find comfort in family, friends and any beliefs in the hereafter, which I personally believe in. With much sympathy, Peter Jan Verschoor South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society
Peter Jan Verschoor
Salt Lake City, uT