Richard Dell Ashby, age 90, passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2014 in Delta, Utah. He was born on July 30, 1924 in Fillmore, Utah to Richard Eugene and Sarah Verle Kesler Ashby.
Dell grew up in Fillmore and graduated from Millard High School. He married Barbra Dean Petersen on May 25, 1943 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Shortly after, he joined the US Navy, serving as a Hospital Apprentice First Class during WWII. After returning home, he attended the University of Utah. Dell moved to Delta in 1946. He owned and operated his own painting business, worked as dental examination apprentice, was a chemical test unit operator and was the Administrator of the West Millard Hospital and long term care facility from 1962 - 1983. Dell was responsible for bringing and running the Delta Sands Apts. He was a member of the LDS Church, and served as Young Mens Leader, on the High Council, and various other callings. He was an active member of American Legion Post 135. Dell was President of Delta Junior Chamber of Commerce, President of Delta Lions Club, and served on the Delta Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Delta City Council and was Interim Mayor of Delta City. He also received the outstanding Delta High School Football Booster Award.
After retirement, Dell served on the Delta/Fillmore Community Medical Center Board of Trustees. He served on the Utah State Laboratory Committee, and was a Trustee on the board of the Utah Hospital Association. He was appointed by the Governor as a member of the Governor’s Health Facility Board, and served for many years on the Central Utah Health Board.
Dell is survived by his wife: Barbra; daughters: Delene (Jerry) Huff, Joan (Chad) Anderson, Sonya (David) Taylor; sons: Richard (Thalia), Roger (Kim); 19 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren; sister: Verene Thorne. He was preceded in death by grandson: Colton Roger Ashby; brother: Rudger William Ashby.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 11:00 AM, at the Delta LDS 1st Ward Chapel, 222 W 200 N. Viewings will be held Wednesday, 7-8 PM at Nickle Mortuary; and Thursday, 9:30-10:40 AM prior to the service. Burial will be in the Delta City Cemetery.