Remembered as a woman of faith who embraced family and friends while making a positive difference in the lives of those around her, Norma Bernston Ashton, widow of Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve, was eulogized Saturday, Feb. 24, during her funeral in the Salt Lake Ensign Stake Center. Sister Ashton, 89, passed away Feb. 18, 2007, in Salt Lake City.
President Gordon B. Hinckley and his counselors, President Thomas S. Monson and President James E. Faust, attended the funeral, as did several members of the Quorum of the Twelve, the Seventy and Presiding Bishopric. President Faust represented the First Presidency in delivering remarks and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland represented the Quorum of the Twelve.
President Faust spoke of the friendship he and his wife, Ruth, enjoyed with Elder and Sister Ashton.
He spoke of Marvin Ashton and Norma Bernston being neighbors and tennis partners during their youth, and their enjoyment of sports throughout their lives.
"After they married, Norma loved and supported her husband, who always had significant and challenging assignments in the Church," President Faust said. "She also loved and nurtured her children and their companions and all their grandchildren.
"Norma had her own interests, which were wide ranging; she excelled in what she did. She once said, 'I love to work. I love activity. I love to study. I love home and family.'
"She enjoyed serving in many callings in the Church, including as a member of the general board of the Relief Society. Also, she knew what was going on in government, sports and the community. She was involved in many worthwhile activities."
He described Sister Ashton as "an extraordinary lady."
"A precious part of our doctrine is our belief in eternal life," President Faust said. "We are eternally grateful to Jesus Christ, our Savior, who broke the bands of death for everyone so that we all might have eternal life. We are also most grateful that through the Prophet Joseph Smith priesthood authority and keys were restored, including the keys of eternal sealings of husbands and wives and families, of which Marvin and Norma and their family are recipients. God bless the memories of Marv and Norma Ashton for all they did for this Church, community and each of us."
Elder Holland said that Elder and Sister Ashton lived by the Savior's declaration, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40).
He said that his secretary, Randi Greene, who was secretary to Elder Ashton for a decade, said that one of Sister Ashton's greatest qualities was her sense of concern and care for everyone — for all people and their feelings. "She was always conscious of making sure everyone in the room felt included, making sure no one felt left out or uncared for."
He said that Sister Ashton taught, 'We must not be preoccupied with what we expect of life, but rather focus on what life expects from us.' She then concluded:
"'I'll be content if I can just learn.
"'Which bridges to cross and which bridges to burn.'
"Norma spent her life trying to help people cross the bridges that needed to be crossed even as she helped them burn the ones that didn't. She helped all of us in that regard, and we will never forget her for it."
Bishop David Berrett of the Eighteenth Ward, Salt Lake Ensign Stake, conducted and offered remarks. Also speaking were John Ashton, a son, and Stephanie Olmo, a granddaughter. Linda Ashton, a daughter-in-law, and accompanist Ann Spangler performed "Be Still, My Soul." A double quartet formed of members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang "How Great Thou Art." Prayers were offered by grandsons John Ashton and Steve Ashton. Leif Sorensen, a son-in-law, dedicated the grave.
— Gerry Avant