Charles Bryce Ashby, age 89, passed away on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at his home in Delta, Utah. He was born in Crescent, Utah on August 14, 1929, the second of five children born to Charles Prosser and Lucille Jensen Ashby. He graduated from Jordon High School in 1947, and was always a proud Beet Digger. He then attended Utah State Univeristy; however, in 1951, Uncle Sam said “I Want You” and he was drafted into the United States Army. He bravely served his country being stationed in Korea from 1951 to 1953. After an Honorable Discharge he went home to Crescent and discovered his family had moved to Delta, Utah during his absence. They had sent him a letter, but he did not receive it.
He married his high school sweetheart, Zella Geneal Swenson, on February 16, 1953 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They made there home in Delta, Utah and Bryce went to work for Sunset Chevrolet as an auto body mechanic. In 1956, they moved back to Salt Lake, and over those years added four children to their family: Connie, Kathleen, Lynn, and Colleen. In 1964, they moved back to Delta, and bought the Starglo Motel and laundromat from his father.
Bryce loved to be involved and serve the community. In 1965, he joined both the Millard County Sheriff’s Posse and Delta City Volunteer Fire Department. He would later dedicate over 25 years serving as the Fire Chief. He joined the American Legion in 1966, and has remained a proud member for over 53 years. In 1968, he started the West Millard Ambulance Service with an old Army surplus ambulance that he painted white. His EMT state certification number is #00014. He shared his knowledge for many years as an instructor, training many area EMT’s and affecting many lives. He was honored as Area Giant in 2002, and the Delta 4th of July Grand Marshall in 2016. He was also recognized with an Honorary Utah Sheriff Award in 2012. He earned his 50 Year Award, and recognized with a Lifetime Award from the Utah State Fire Fighters Association, also had the honor of serving as president of the Western National Fire Chiefs Association.
Bryce was preceded in death by his wife: Geneal; two infant children; brother: Roy Ashby; sister: Carma Swensen. He is survived by his children: Connie Corry, Delta; Kathleen (Charlie) Mazza, Reno, Nevada; Lynn (Patty) Ashby, Delta; Colleen (Scott) Cope, Kelso, Washington; 14 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter; brother: Spencer Ashby; sister: Dawnetta Erickson. He is also survived by his great friends: 30 Firefighters, 25 volunteers of the Sheriff’s Posse, and 25 Millard County EMTs - as well as his many companions who are no longer active.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 16, at 11:00 am, at the Delta LDS Stake Center, 125 S White Sage Ave. Viewings will be held on Thursday, 6:00-8:00 PM, at the Nickle Mortuary, 190 S Center St; and Friday, 9:30-10:40, prior to the service. Burial will be in the Delta City Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.nicklemortuary.com