Patricia Gronning Ashworth

Our Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother was born on St. Patty’s Day, March 17, 1938, in Delta, Utah. She has always had a strong, stubborn, independent spirit beginning with her birth. When delivered, she was not breathing so the doctor put her in a basket nearby so they could attend to her mother. They were completely surprised when they heard crying and realized she was alive. Pat was born the oldest of six children and grew up in the small town of Milford, Utah. She attended Milford High School and loved going to the dances every Friday night. Pat was very involved in high school. She was elected Student Body Secretary, was a member of the Pep Club, and editor of the yearbook.

Our Mom was a hard worker and often heard saying “I worked my butt off!” Growing up she earned money babysitting, cleaning homes, and ironing. She said, “Those white long-sleeved shirts never seemed to end.” One summer she helped clean every room and window at the high school. Pat married her high school sweetheart, Monty Ray Ashworth, on December 1, 1957, in the St. George Temple. Together they had all girls: Julie, Sheri, Lauri, Leslie, and Tammy. Mom always proudly introduced us as her “five beautiful daughters.” She was a trooper moving many times throughout her married life, including Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Montana, and Utah. Pat was a devoted stay-at-home mom. She began working once all the girls were in school. Pat and Mont divorced. She continued to work in the mortgage and title business for over 30 years.

Pat served in many callings as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a testimony of a loving Heavenly Father, the Atonement of our Savior, the comforting power of the Holy Ghost and leaned on her faith throughout trials in her life. She served a mission as a receptionist at the Sandy Employment Resource Center and worked in the office at the Draper Utah Temple.

Pat had a spunky personality, was outgoing and very social. She loved to joke with people making fast friends with everyone she met. Her nieces loved teasing her and then yelling loudly, “Preciate ya Pat!” She loved her siblings and their spouses who were always so kind and helpful to her. Mom enjoyed playing games, watching sports, cooking, bowling, decorating, and shopping -- her favorite thing to do! She had a fondness for Elvis Presley and collected his music and memorabilia. Elvis has left the building and we’re sure Mom is searching for him as we speak! She kept a clean home and taught her daughters well. More than anything, she loved spending time with her girls, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

For the past 10 years, Pat has battled dementia. We appreciate the aides and staff at Legacy Assisted Living for their care over the past two and a half years. Thank you to Kelli, Roni and Crystal from Aspire Home Health & Hospice for their loving support and care for our Mother.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Carlyle Fuller and Althea Blanche Gronning, her sister Carlene Jensen, and brothers-in-law Bill Reese, William Jensen, and Jack Marsh.

She is survived by her five daughters, Julie (Brian) Rasmussen, Sheri (James) Wagner, Lauri (Scott) Lee, Leslie (Brad) Cox, Tammy (Scott) Johnson, 17 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren, her siblings Joyce (Darell) Roberts, Eugene (Marcia) Gronning, Katie Marsh, Mary Ann (Kevin) Beaslin.

Thank you Mom, for all the sacrifices, love and support for our family. We love you so much! We remember how you used to rub the glass on the slot machines for good luck, hoping to win big. Now you’ve hit your final jackpot and hopefully have found your pot of gold “Somewhere over the Rainbow!”

A Viewing will be held at the Pinecrest Ward Chapel located at 2080 E. Pinecrest Lane, Sandy, from 10:00 am to 12 noon, on Saturday, May 13, 2023. A graveside service will be held the same day at Larkin Sunset Gardens located at 1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy at 12:30 pm.