Robert Lee Ashley

Robert Lee Ashley II

Known to many as Lee, he was born on April 12, 1963, to Robert and Cheralyn Ashley and was later raised by Robert and Bernice Ashley. He was the oldest of four children. He passed away on June 19, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with HLH.

Lee was raised in northern Utah, splitting his youth between Brigham City, Newton, and Smithfield. During his youth, he was very athletic, playing football and wrestling. He graduated from high school in 1981. After a short period of living and working in Las Vegas with his uncles building swimming pools, he returned to Utah to attend school and earn a machining certificate. Although he was no longer playing organized sports, he began learning karate and quickly excelled in the martial art.

Lee met and married Wendy Bassett in 1987. Wendy had three children from a previous marriage—Emily, Chris, and Matt—whose father was largely absent from their lives. Lee stepped into the role of father and raised the three of them as his own. Later, two more additions would join the family, Ben and Kaden. Although his marriage to Wendy ended shortly after the arrival of their youngest child, the two remained close friends and devoted co-parents throughout the years.

Lee found enjoyment in the simple things in life. A good meal, a nice campfire, and casting a line out on a lake were at the top of that list. While raising his children, he often embarked on fishing and hunting trips with his kids, father, siblings, nephews, and family friends. Whether it was a week spent fishing at Soldier Creek or a week chasing elusive deer around Grouse Creek, he lived for those moments.

Anyone who knew him knew they could always count on him for help. If you needed anything, he would move mountains to lend a hand and never ask for anything in return. He was just that kind of guy. Even if helping you caused him a headache, he would do it again the next time. Truly a selfless individual.

For Lee, friends and family meant everything. If you were important to him, you could count on receiving regular phone calls just to see how you were doing, even if he had not seen you in years.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and sister Amy. He is survived by his siblings, Victor and Cheryl (David); his children, Emily (Jeremy), Chris (Brittney), Matt (Tanya), Ben, and Kaden; his sixteen grandchildren; his two great-grandchildren; and another great-grandchild on the way.

A public viewing will be held on June 27, 2026 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the Cache Valley Mortuary in Hyde Park Utah.

A celebration of Lee's life is being planned, with the date and location to be determined. Friends and family who wish to attend and would like to receive updates as plans are finalized are encouraged to contact Ben or Kaden.

The family would like to thank everyone who supported Lee throughout his battle with HLH and all those who have offered their love, prayers, and kindness during this difficult time.