Charles Witham Ashman

CHARLES WITHAM ASHMAN was born on August 22, 1931 in Tooele, Utah. His father was Albert Earl Ashman and his mother was Norene (Memmott) Ashman. When Charles was a young boy the family moved to Scipio, Utah where his father drove a milk truck delivering milk to the dairy in Beaver, Utah. He was the second of three children. The oldest was Phyllis (Thompson) and the youngest, Nolan. He was a standout student at Millard High School in nearby Fillmore where he was the Student Body President, cheerleader, captain of the boxing team and lead saxophone player in the dance band. He was selected to Boy’s State in his senior year. He attended BYU briefly before going on his LDS church mission to New Zealand. He loved his mission and the people of New Zealand. He learned Maori and befriended a prominent Maori chief, Peter Bryers, after whom he named his second son. His mission was a big success and was instrumental in converting several local church leaders and even a LDS general authority.

When he returned from his mission his family had moved to Cedar City, Utah where his father opened a Texaco gas station. In Cedar City he met Barbara Lunt, and they married in the St. George LDS Temple. Charles joined the U.S. Army and served in Indianapolis, Indiana where they had a son, Douglas. He was later transferred to Germany where Peter was born. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Charles was admitted into the most prestigious dental school in the country, The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. This young man from a tiny town in rural Utah was a gifted and talented student and won many awards as he graduated with highest honors in 1962. While in Philadelphia the family grew with the addition of Elizabeth Ann.

In 1962, Dr. Ashman was invited to come to Henderson, Nevada to join the dental practice of Dr. Paul Marshall and Dr. Stanley Jones. He was a huge success and soon became prominent in his field and the “Dentist to the Stars” with a patient list including Wayne Newton, Robert Goulet, Glen Campbell, Lola Falana, Doc Severinson, Tanya Tucker, and many others. His passion was for his everyday patients who experienced his gentle touch, technical artistry and keen sense of humor. In 1969, in the middle of a summer monsoon, Karen joined the family. Charles moved his practice to Las Vegas and became the dental director for the Ashman Dental Group, the provider for the Culinary Union dental program and became the largest dental practice in the State of Nevada.

In 2004 Charles was invited to join the faculty of the brand new UNLV School of Dentistry where his son Douglas was already on staff. He was a beloved figure for the thirteen years he taught there. His example was a great influence on the lives of hundreds of new dentists. He won several awards for his teaching excellence, but he was happiest when he went to graduation ceremonies and saw how his labors were so richly rewarded as a whole generation of new dentists went out into the world. He was so proud of his students.

He met and married Zorayda Uy Wolford, who loved and cherished him as he learned of his diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. Without a doubt she prolonged his life as they became avid golfers and world travelers. He had to leave the dental school when the effects of Parkinson’s became more severe, but he always kept in touch with his many colleagues and former students. He passed away peacefully on January 19, 2024 with his dear Zorayda at his side. In addition to Zorayda, he is survived by his brother Nolan, children: Douglas (Suzanne), Peter (Peggy), Ann Maskell (Mike) and Karen Jensen (Chris), and step-daughter Shelley Unkelbach (Kevin). He has 13 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his loving parents, and his precious sister Phyllis. The family takes great comfort in our Heavenly Father’s love and plan of eternal salvation and knows he is happy and enjoying the reunion with the many dear family members and friends on the other side of the veil. Those who knew him will never forget his kindness and generosity, his talent as a dentist, his humor and his charm. Until we meet again dear Charles, may our Heavenly Father bless and keep you.