R. Kay Snyder

JAY ASHWORTH IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Jason "Jay" Ashworth, 80, of Idaho Falls, passed away January 4, 2008, at his home. Jay was born January 31, 1927, in Beaver, Utah, to James Arnold Ashworth and Caddie Riding Ashworth. He attended Beaver High School, where he met Shirley Thomas. They were married in Beaver, Utah, October 4, 1944, and then moved to Idaho Falls where Jay completed his senior year of high school. He graduated May 15, 1945 then became a soldier 12 days later. He served in the US Army during World War II. He remained active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the 40 and 8, and the American Legion throughout his life. He was also a life-long member of the Elks Club. Grandpa and Grandma made their home in Idaho Falls where they raised three children, Gaye, Jaci and Lonny. Grandpa worked as a bus driver first for Greyhound and Sun Valley Stages, then finished out his career as a driver at the INL. Grandpa always had a job. As a kid he worked in gas stations and on the railroad. He milked cows, shoveled coal, hauled hay, broke ice at the ice pond, did cement work, claims adjusting, took tickets at the CCC dances. He was very independent and proud of his ability to provide for his family. His interests outside of work were broad. Cars were always his first love. He always had a good, flashy car and took pride in taking care of it. You could always tell his car by the shine. When remembering stories or life events, he always dated them by which vehicle he was driving at that time. Grandma and Grandpa's favorite times were in Island Park. They fished, snow machined and boated continually. They played cards with friends, drove the bratty kids up the sledding hill, untangled fishing lines, drove the boat for water-skiing. At night we all settled in for games and stories. Grandpa was very proud of his family and told anyone who would listen about their accomplishments. He loved his siblings, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as his close friends that he considered family. He was able to maintain close relationships with everyone via phone, e-mail and numerous visits. He talked with his sisters daily. We will miss Grandpa, but we will always remember his sayings, the sparkle in his eyes, and his big, tight hugs. We know that you and Grandma are watching over us and so happy to be together, once again dancing to the big bands. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grandma Shirley and his two brothers Wayne and Glenn. He is survived by his sisters Ina Bischoff, Idaho Falls, and Alice (Lynn) Bennett, Ririe; his children Gaye (Donald) Shaff, Boise; Jacilyn (Richard) Schiffern, Idaho Falls; Lonny (Vicki) Ashworth, Boise; 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, January 8, 2008, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue in Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends Monday, January 7, 2008 from 7:00-8:30 pm and Tuesday for one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will be held in the Fielding Memorial Park. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and the Idaho Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Eastern Idaho Hospice. ------------------------------------ Condolences received online: Sterling and Susan Andelin Dear Jaci, We just read on the internet of your father's passing. We want to send you and your family our sincere sympathy. The obituary listed many fun experiences you enjoyed as a family and we hope these memories will be comforting to you. We will also be praying for you. With love, Susan and Sterling Chellie Craw grandmachell@hotmail.com Gaye, Jackie, Lonnie and families: So sorry about the loss of your dad. I have so many wonderful memories of your family. I am sorry that we were not able to get there for the services, but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you all.