Julene W Ashby

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great, great grandmother, Alice Julene Winter Ashby, passed away on April 23, 2024 in Smithfield at the home of her daughter. She was 89 years old.   Julene was born on November 13, 1934 in Los Angeles, California to Andrew Winter and Alice Matilda Hansen.

Julene spent her early years in California. Upon the death of her father her family moved to Garland Utah. Julene grew up in Garland, graduating from Bear River High school where she was involved in art and drama.  She won two art awards; one being the “Top Senior Art Award”. She continued to enjoy art throughout her life. She painted and drew many things for her family. Her biggest project was painting landscapes for each of her children.

Julene married LaMar James Ashby on November 26,1952, in the Logan Temple. They spent 70 years together. 

Immediately after their marriage she accompanied LaMar to Fort Benning, Georgia. When LaMar was discharged from the Army, they returned to Utah arriving shortly before the birth of their first child, thus beginning to fulfil Julene’s dream of having a dozen children.  She had 13 children calling us her “Baker’s Dozen”.

Julene loved her Heavenly Father and her Savior.  She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many capacities. Those included; Relief Society teacher, Young Women’s teacher, Cub Scout leader and many others.

She served four missions with LaMar. They served in New Zealand, Nauvoo, Illinois; the Bishop’s Storehouse in Logan, Utah and Sheep Springs, New Mexico.   She gladly shared her testimony and love of the gospel with all she met.

In addition to painting, Julene also loved gardening, music and writing poems.  She sang often to her children to help them learn life lessons.  She taught them how to grow food and beautiful flowers.  She joyously welcomed spring and would walk through her garden delighting at the sight of each flower.

The bounty from her garden was canned for family use. Any extra was often shared with friends and neighbors.  She also wrote poems, often sharing these with friends and family to help lift their spirits and let them know of her love for them.

Julene and LaMar moved several times as LaMar’s jobs changed finally ending up in Newton, Utah.  Here LaMar and Julene retired; farming, gardening and enjoying the grand kids as they came into their lives. She especially adored the new babies and cherished each one of them.  Julene worked hard to care for her family and to make her house a happy home.   Part of that happy home was Julene and LaMar’s firm believe in Family Home Evening and holding family gatherings often during their years together. 

Our dad often called our mom; “the most beautiful wife he ever had!!” She would laugh and say, “I’m the only wife you’ve ever had!”   They laughed together, cried together and were rarely apart. They had such deep love for each other.

Julene is survived by her 13 children; Tina (Dale) Smith; James (Sharon) Ashby; Tranette (Dave) Carlisle; Kevin (Sarah) Ashby; Balinda (Robert) Whetstone; Bart (Peggy) Ashby; Alice (Rod) Christensen; David (Maria) Ashby; Jared (Camille) Ashby; Elizabeth (Karl) Decker; Farina (Steve) Buttars; Ruth (Brent) Palmer; Miriam (Bob) Sagers.  She has 59 grandchildren; 111 great grandchildren and 10 great, great grandchildren with 55 spouses. With 1 great granddaughter and 1great grandson on the way.

She was preceded in death by her husband LaMar, her parents, her 3 brothers, 2 daughters-in-law; Shayla (Kevin) Ashby; Sara (David) Ashby, and 6 grandchildren.

Funeral services are under the direction of Nelson Funeral home.   A viewing will be held Friday, April 26,2024 at the church in Newton, Utah (90 South100 West) from 6-8pm. A viewing will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the Newton church from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.  The funeral service will begin at 11:30 am Burial will be in the Newton Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Aegis Hospice for their kind and respectful care of our mom.   There were many, many helping hands that cared for mom and for us. We want to express our deep gratitude to these dear helpers.

Condolences and memories maybe shared online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com