Ronald Gates Ashton, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, dentist, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on June 8, 1948, to Reed Earl Ashton and Emma Lucy Gates Ashton and was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Ron met the love of his life, Vicki Johnson, while attending the University of Utah. They married on March 17, 1971, in the Salt Lake Temple.
Ron attended dental school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Following dental school, he served as a dentist in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. After completing his military service, Ron and Vicki returned to Utah with their young family, where he established his dental practice in West Jordan.
Ron was an exceptional dentist who cared deeply for his patients. For many years, he had the privilege of caring for countless individuals and families throughout Salt Lake County. His patients were loyal not only because of his skill and professionalism, but because of the genuine care he showed them. He was also blessed with a dedicated staff, many of whom worked alongside him for decades until his retirement.
Ron and Vicki built their life together around their family, faith, and many shared interests. In his younger years, Ron was an avid volleyball player. While a student at the University of Utah, he and his friends founded the university’s first men’s volleyball club.
Ron was also an avid golfer and especially enjoyed sharing the game with Vicki, his children, grandchildren, neighbors, and anyone else who was willing to join him. Golf gave him countless opportunities to spend time with the people he loved.
Ron was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a mission in Austria and served faithfully in many Church callings throughout his life. At the time of his passing, he was serving in one of his favorite callings - teaching children in Primary.
Ron is survived by his wife, Vicki Johnson Ashton; their children, Brian Ashton (Emily), Karin Brown (Glen), Steven Ashton (Kristina), and Jeffrey Ashton (Ruth); 15 grandchildren; and two and a half great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother David Ashton, his sister Kathy Harper (Brent), his brother Jon Ashton (Pat), his sister-in-law Joan Ashton, and his brother-in-law Kent Norton. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dennis Ashton, and his sister Jane Norton.
Ron will be remembered for his devotion to his family, faith, and service to others. He will be greatly missed.
A viewing will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E Dimple Dell Road, Sandy) on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 6:00 - 8:00pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (9119 S 1300 E, Sandy). There will be a viewing from 9:00 - 9:45am. The funeral will begin at 10:00am. The funeral can also be viewed online at larkinmortuary.com under the " watch services '' button on Ron's obituary.