Mel B. Ashton
September 16, 1940 – February 6, £016
Melvin (Mel) Ballard Ashton, our loving husband, father, grandfather and friend was called home by his Heavenly Father on February 6, 2016, following a valiant battle with ALS.
Mel was born September 16, 1940 in Malad, Idaho to James Lehi (Lee) Ashton and Mary Gertrude Hardman. Mel had an undying love for his family, especially his best friend and wife of 44 years, Taunya Mazzei, whom he adored and who adores him. Mel’s eyes would light up every time he spoke of her. •
Mel grew up in Salt Lake City where he attended West High School, and later graduated from the University of Utah. Mel was a dedicated law-enforcement officer who served 9 years on the Salt Lake City Police Force and 20 years as a Federal Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration. After retiring from law enforcement Mel worked as’a professional private investigator for over 20 years.
Mel was a devoted and faithful member of the LDS Church and loved his Ashley Park Ward and served tirelessly and magnified his callings there. Mel will be fondly remembered by ward members, friends and neighbors as always having a kind word, a strong love of the Lord, and as being the first person to offer service to others.
Mel is preceded in death by his angel mother, father, his cherished parents-in-law Earl and Francis Mazzei as well as son Lance. He is survived by his sweetheart Taunya, sons Layne (Dorothy), Wayne and Adam (Paula) and daughter Amber. Mel is also survived by 12 grandchildren and many other family members and friends whom he loved and who love him.
Mel will be greatly missed by all who knew him but will always be remembered as a compassionate person who loved life and was always looking for opportunities to serve others.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 12, < 2016 at the Ashley Park Ward, 10312 East Ashley Park Drive, Sandy, Utah. The family will receive visitors at the church one hour before the funeral. Interment will be at the Redwood Memorial Cemetery, 6500 S. Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah.
A more detailed obituary can be found on the mortuary’s website, and on-line condolences may be offered to the family at www. premierfuneral.com