Leslie Evan Ashby

Les was born March 29, 1950, in Salt Lake City, to Evan and Ethel Ashby. He passed away July 5, 2024, in Murray, Utah, due to complications from open-heart surgery. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 51 years and his 5 children.

Les was a proud member of the United States Air Force. He served in the Philippines during the Vietnam War. His specialty was radio relay repair. This helped in his training to be able to fix a little bit of everything.

Les met his eternal companion Debra Iverson in November 1972. They were married on May 17, 1973, in the Salt Lake Temple. They spent their first few months in Millcreek, Utah, then bought their first home in Taylorsville in 1974, before moving to Providence in 1997.

Les was a man who could do anything, and fix anything. The joke around our house when he fixed dinner was “how do you want your eggs?” He also made THE MOST delicious grilled cheese and tuna sandwiches, with a mixture of sweet and dill relish.

Les has taught his children well on how to fix things around the home, and they have passed that knowledge along to their own children.

Les was a man willing to help anyone in need. From fixing your grandchild’s toy, to helping adjust your sprinklers. And the list goes on.

He loved the outdoors and being in nature. He loved the mountains the most. He loved deer hunting with his dad, sons and grandsons. He enjoyed camping and participating in mountain men rendezvous re-enactments. He loved going to Fort Bridger and Blacksmith Fork Canyon.

He would dress up in our rendezvous clothes and do presentations at the elementary school, scout meetings, and day cares–Teepee and all.

Les spent many years as a scout leader, helping many young men achieve their Eagle scout award. He taught many outdoor and life skills to these young men in Taylorsville and Providence, Utah.

He earned his Silver Beaver award and attended Wood Badge, as well as anything scout related. As a scout leader in Taylorsville, he and the young men from our ward earned the Year-Round Camping award 5 years in a row. Rain, snow or shine every month. Quite an accomplishment.

Speaking of rain, snow or shine, he made a career working for the United States Post Office. Retiring after 36 years of service.

He never really retired though. He worked as a handyman for student apartments at Utah State University.

He served faithfully in many church callings. He served as a counselor in the Bishopric at Utah State University in the 36th ward. He sure loved those young men and women. He served in the baptistry of the Logan Utah Temple. He was a counselor in the Stake Young Men’s presidency. He taught Sunday School to the youth in our ward. His latest calling was making sure our church was locked up and secure. He loved walking the halls of that sacred building.

Les leaves behind his wife Debbie of 51 years, 5 children, Michelle (Max) Arieux, Jason (Carolyn), Tyler (Angela), Chris (Amanda), and Nicole (Jared) Fitzgerald, and 14 grandchildren.

Les was preceded in death by his parents, Evan and Ethel Ashby and his sister Marie Behunin.

Les was a man of honor and integrity. He loved his family with his whole heart.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 15, 2024, at the Fruitland Acres Ward, 465 North 300 East, Providence, Utah, 84332.

Friends and family are invited to visit with the family at a viewing from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah.

An additional viewing will be held Monday morning from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the Providence church prior to services.

Interment will be in the Providence City Cemetery, 925 E. River Heights Blvd., Providence, Utah, 84321.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below.