Merle Norman Ashworth passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. Merle was born April 1, 1933 in Payette, ID to Charles and Fredrica Ashworth. He was raised and educated in Payette; graduating with the class of 1951. Shortly after graduating, Merle joined the United States Air Force, serving from 1951 to 1955. He served a year of his tour in Korea.
Upon his return from the service he met Shirley Rasmussen and they were married in 1956. To this marriage two sons were born; Ron in 1960 and Bob in 1963.
After Merle attended college for three years he then realized what he really wanted to do was go back to farming and raising cattle. He was a hard worker and loved what he was doing.
Merle served on the Payette School Board for several years and was active in supporting his sons in all sports and school activities in which they participated. He loved fishing (steelhead fishing seemed to be a favorite), hunting and camping with family and friends. Merle loved kids, his own and just about anyone else’s; serving as a father figure to some of them.
Merle was preceded in death by both parents; his brother Raymond; and his son Bob. He is survived by his wife Shirley Ashworth; his son Ron Ashworth; his sister Barbara Belknap; two sisters-in-law Carol Haymes and Carol Ashworth; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Spencer, Reagen, Nathan and Josh Bommersbach who were special grandkids to Merle and Shirley.
The family would like to thank Tracy and her staff of Payette Ashley Manor and Auburn Crest Hospice for their care and services.
Memorials may be made to the Payette First Baptist Church Memorial Fund, c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, PO Box 730, Payette, ID 83661.
