Ruth Ann Ashton Nelson

Ruth Ann Ashton Nelson: A Life of Selfless Service

With tender hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Ruth Ann Ashton Nelson on July 5, 2025, just four days after her 82nd birthday and only eleven months after the loss of her eternal companion, Robert D Nelson. After 61 beautiful years of devotion to each other, they are now joyfully reunited—hand in hand, surrounded by loved ones, and embraced by the Savior they served so faithfully.

Ruth was born on July 1, 1943, to Milton and Ann Howe Ashton in Salt Lake City, Utah, the cherished daughter among a house full of brothers. At just six years old, Ruth experienced the tragic loss of her father, an early trial that shaped her into the resilient, resourceful, and compassionate woman she became.

She attended East High School and the University of Utah, where she studied Advertising and was a proud member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. It was during these years that fate introduced her to the love of her life, Robert, on a blind date arranged by his fraternity brothers. Their courtship was filled with excitement and anticipation—punctuated by Robert's pursuits on the Utah Ski and Track Teams. They were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on September 11, 1963.

Together, Ruth and Robert built a life of purpose and service, raising six children: Brett, Amy Murdock (husband Steve), Troy, Emily Dean (husband Michael), Jed, and Melanie Chambers (husband Brad), and lovingly remembering their stillborn daughter, Rebecca. Their posterity includes 20 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren who affectionately knew her as Grandma Ruthie—a name spoken with love and admiration.

Ruth's life was a shining example of selfless service. Her greatest joy was her family, to whom she gave her whole heart. She had an extraordinary gift for making every child, grandchild, friend, and neighbor feel seen, heard, and loved. She was always present: to bandage scraped knees, to celebrate victories big and small, to offer a warm hug, a listening ear, and when needed—a gentle but firm word of correction. She was spunky, witty, colorful, and, in the words of those who knew her best, “delightfully bossy.” She could chat it up with anyone from strangers in the grocery store to having deep conversations with extended family. Ruthie had the gift of gab and made you feel you could share your deepest feelings.

Her days were a whirlwind of loving acts: organizing PTA events, delivering casseroles to those in need, sewing Halloween costumes, and helping with science fair projects—all while keeping her home full of music, laughter, and the heavenly aroma of her famous Coconut Cream Pie or Chocolate Whipping Cream Cake. Ruth expressed her love through both melody and meals, teaching piano to grandchildren and lending her beautiful alto voice to countless choirs.

Her life was also full of playfulness and fun. Ruth adored spending time at the family cabin in the mountains, where she loved playing games late into the night and riding four-wheelers to see the wildflowers, always on the lookout for the moose and deer that delighted her so much.

And anyone who knew Ruth knew she had a sweet tooth. She always kept a special drawer fully stocked with chocolate and candy—ready at any moment to offer a treat to anyone who needed a little extra sweetness in their day. It was a simple way she showed love, and her family will forever think of her whenever they need a chocolate “fix”.

Ruth and Robert shared a profound commitment to their faith as lifelong members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their shared testimony inspired them to serve five full-time missions, including life-changing experiences in Jamaica and Chile, as well as two years as ordinance workers in the Salt Lake Temple. Ruth’s faith in the Savior was the quiet strength behind her every act of kindness, her resilience through trials, and her unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Though her life was marked by hardship—losing her father, the heartache of losing a child, surviving five heart attacks, and facing ongoing health challenges—Ruth carried it all with grace, humor, and an indomitable spirit. She gave her all—body and soul—to the people around her, and in doing so, left a legacy of love, faith, and joyful service that will ripple through generations.

Ruthie, you have finished your journey with honor, compassion, laughter, and an open heart. You gave your all. You will be missed beyond words but never forgotten. Your life continues in each of us you touched, and we love you forever.

Rest in sweet, peaceful reunion.

A viewing will be held on Friday, July 11th from 10:00-10:45 am with a funeral following at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 2065 E. 4675 So. Holladay, UT 84117.