Patricia Ann Engh Ashby

Patricia Ann (Engh) Ashby (1935-2025), “Trish” as she liked to be called, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2025 at the age of 90. Her final days were full of visits from family and friends. Trish was a beloved sister, mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She was the oldest daughter to Rodney Tucker Olson and Eileen Keily Olson.

Born February 6, 1935 in Salt Lake City, she was the oldest of four beautiful Olson girls. She graduated from South High School in 1953 and attended Utah State University for two years on a scholarship. Trish was a very active young lady with many boy suitors throughout her high school years. She enjoyed time with her sisters, friends, and especially her dog Nick. She was described as a little “Tom Boy” by her sister Joan, always out riding her bike, hiking, and skiing with friends. When she was 16, she wrote about the time she and friends took their bikes and rode part way up Parleys Canyon, likely on a one-speed bike. She loved horses and was known to climb the occasional fence and sit on other people’s horses. It is no surprise that she finally had a small farm of her own while raising a large family.

Trish spoke often about the summer during her youth that she spent working in Yellowstone National Park at Old Faithful Lodge. It was her favorite memory, and she regaled in the stories of taking challenging hikes and enjoying the outdoors.

She married Paul H. Engh in 1957 and together they raised their eight busy children. It should be noted that she demonstrated incredible organizational skills and patience as a mother. She encouraged her children to pursue their passions, and she made great effort to involve them in multiple activities, as well as the LDS Church. On top of managing a large family, she was actively involved in running their family business Alpine Nursery and Garden Center. Later, she went on to work for several corporations as an executive secretary, including working for the Salt Lake County Commissioners where she finally retired in 1997. Her fast and proficient shorthand was an incredible talent and in big demand. Afterward, because she was never one to be idle, she helped her son Scott as a bookkeeper and office manager at Sun River Gardens for many years.

Trish’s greatest joy and purpose in life came from her children and grandchildren and her deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she lived her testimony daily through her unwavering service, kindness, and commitment to following the Savior’s example. She found great strength in the scriptures through times of difficulty and was a woman of profound faith and prayer. She especially loved music and shared her testimony through song, whether in church choirs with her beautiful soprano voice or at home with family.

Trish grew up in a musical family and enjoyed singing and playing the piano. She loved the music of Doris Day, Celine Dion, and Barbara Streisand. In her later years, once she finally had more extracurricular time, she joined the Salt Lake Symphonic Choir with her beautiful soprano voice and enjoyed traveling around the country and Canada to perform.

A written memory about Trish would not be complete without including her love for Dr. Pepper, the beverage. She was known to frequent establishments that served Dr. Pepper. Her family made sure her room at the Beehive Home was well stocked with Dr. Pepper.

In 1987 she married William Ashby and enjoyed over 20 years of companionship with him.

She was preceded in death by her mother Eileen Olson, father Rodney Olson, sister Phyllis Olson, daughter Cheryl Ann Engh, and husband William Ashby. She is survived by her two sisters Gail Edwards (Buff), and Joan Vail (the late Dick Vail), seven children: Eileen Engh, Karen Engh, Eric Engh, Christine Fornelius (Brett), Linda Engh-Grady (Dave), Scott Engh (Tanya), John Engh (Kellie), 20 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the many caregivers and friends at the Beehive Home on 2000th E, her home away from home. The caregiving team created a loving environment. Special thanks to: Maria, Mayling, Monica, Nery, Luz, and Julio for their attention to every detail of her wellbeing, as well as her personal caregiver Jill Elias Silva, for her wonderful, loving care over the years. Additionally, a thank you to Mission Health and Mrs. Angie Mack, RN for attending to Trish for over two years, Erin and Tiffany, the Chaplains from the mission who visited her daily, and Tanya her social worker. 

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 25, at 10:00 AM, Valley View 11th Ward, 1925 East Gundersen Lane 4101 South, Holladay, followed by a graveside service at 1:30 at Memorial Holladay Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Patricia Ann Ashby can be made to Red Butte Gardens, 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 where a bench overlooking the flower gardens will be dedicated in her memory.