Lyal Nelson Ashman

Lyal Nelson Ashman was reunited with her dear husband on Friday, August 11, 2006 when she died at home of causes incident to age. She was surrounded in her final mortal days by the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren she devoted her life to and who loved and cared for her in return. She offered our family a powerful example of courage and grace as she faced the challenges of declining health and loss of mobility and independence. Lyal’s life was a blessing to her extended family and to the hundreds of students she taught. She was born April 29, 1917 in Redmond, Utah to Charles Elmer and Margaret Kate Nelson. She attended the Branch Agricultural College at Cedar City (now Southern Utah University) where she met and fell in love with her eternal companion, Thomas Merlin Ashman. They were married April 29, 1936 in Redmond, Utah, a union later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple. He preceded her in death in 2001. Following their marriage, Merlin and Lyal lived in Cedar City, Long Beach California, and Salt Lake City. In 1939 they moved to Redmond, Utah so Merlin could help Lyal’s father manage the family farm following the death of his only son, Tilman. While she raised her family, Lyal obtained a bachelor’s degree in library science from the University of Utah where she graduated with honors and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. In addition to her family, Lyal had one other great love- teaching. She had a life-long desire to learn and she strived to instill that same desire in her students. She was the librarian and taught senior english, journalism and literature at North Sevier High School for over thirty years. She retired reluctantly in 1983, and her files are filled with letters from grateful students expressing their love, respect and appreciation. She was recently inducted into the North Sevier High School Hall of Fame. Lyal is survived by her children, Terry Ashman (Carol Crane) of Layton, Utah and Kay Christensen of Midvale, Utah; 20 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; sisters, Vergie Anderson, Lora Dee Christensen and Dawn Hafen. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Merlin Gerry Ashman; a grand-daughter, Beverly; brother, Tilman Nelson; sisters, Delora Nelson and Melva Johnson. She was our precious mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher and friend. She is greatly loved and she will be greatly missed. Her life was a daily example of unselfish service and devotion to family. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon, Wednesday, August 16, 2006 in the Redmond Ward Chapel. Friends may call at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Salina (150 East Main) Tuesday evening, August 15, from 6-8 p.m. or at the Redmond chapel on Wednesday between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Redmond City Cemetery. Our family would like to thank Applegate Hospice Care for the excellent care and dedicated service that allowed our family to care for Mom