Ronald John Ashliman passed from this earthly life into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Saturday, Jan. 8, at his home in Middleton, Idaho, surrounded by his loving family after a brief battle with myelodysplastic syndrome.
Ron was born on Jan 18, 1941, in Logan, Utah, to Marvin Leo Ashliman and Lola Ranzenberger. They lived in Providence, Utah. He graduated in 1959 from South Cache High School.
He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a two-year mission in the Great Lakes Mission from 1962-1964. He served in many positions in the church throughout his life. He served an 18-month senior mission with his wife in the Kirtland, Ohio, mission from May 2009 to Oct 2010.
He met his eternal sweetheart, Karen Nielsen, on a blind date. Ron and Karen were married in the Logan LDS temple on Feb. 3, 1966. They made their home in Cache Valley. Ron always dreamed of moving to Alaska to raise his family. This dream was never fulfilled.
His career as a control room operator at Utah Power and Light started in 1967. Two children later, a job transfer took them to Kemmerer. Ron told Karen she could plan to live there for two to four years — they stayed for 42.
Three children joined the family in Kemmerer. He spent many hours watching the kids play sports and attended as many events as possible. In September 2012, they moved to Middleton, Idaho, to get out of the cold Wyoming climate and be near four of their five children. The oldest son, Corey, and his family, remain in Kemmerer.
At his home in Idaho, Ron loved to keep his yard green, grow a garden and started bee keeping. When he was not outdoors, he spent time oil painting, pencil drawing and discovering family history. He also loved watching the Utah Jazz.
Ron was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Leo Ashliman; mother, Lola Ranzenberger; and older brother, Marvin Larry Ashliman.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Joan Ashliman; their children: Corey (Cece) Ashliman of Kemmerer; Michelle (Clark) Schuenman of Middleton, Idaho; Denise (Dee) Dixon of Middleton, Idaho; Brian (Kim) Ashliman of Homedale, Idaho; and Shane (Wendy) Ashliman of Caldwell, Idaho; 16 grandchildren; and his sister, Joan Ashliman, and brother, Deloy David Ashliman, both currently reside in Providence, Utah.
Funeral services were held on Friday, Jan. 14. Ron was laid to rest in the Middleton (Idaho) Cemetery.
