Ruth Arrhene Yost Ashcroft

Ruth Arrhene Yost Ashcroft passed away surrounded by family on June 26, 2021. She was born January 3, 1934, in Pocatello, Idaho to John Andrew Yost and Ina Mary Fister Yost. She had two older sisters, Faye and Naida, and two younger brothers, Denis and Greg.

Ruth attended Washington Elementary School, Franklin Junior High School, and Pocatello High School, graduating from Poky in 1952. Her lifelong passion for sports began when she was a small child. Ruth started playing fast-pitch softball at the age of 10, and she and her sister Faye were a force to be reckoned with on the fast-pitch diamond. Ruth played in numerous tournaments and was selected for the state all-star team several times. In eighth grade, she met her future husband, Don, while they were playing fast-pitch softball on their respective winning teams.

Sadly, Ruth’s mother died when she was 14, after which she helped raise her younger brother Denis. As a teen, she worked for the Pocatello Parks and Recreation Department and as an usher at the Orpheum Theater. While attending Idaho State University, Ruth worked at JCPenney.

Don and Ruth were married on December 20, 1953. While they were still in college, their first daughter, Donna, was born. Four years later, the arrival of their second daughter, Kaye, prompted the purchase of Don and Ruth’s first home, which they shared for 62 years.

Ruth graduated from Idaho State University in 1956, majoring in physical education, English, and journalism. She taught for School District 25 at Alameda, Hawthorne, and Irving Junior High Schools, often simultaneously coaching track and gymnastics, and serving as drill team and cheerleading team advisor. After many busy years as a teacher and coach, Ruth “retired” to become a stay-at-home mom. When her children were older, she returned to substitute teaching and also returned to the ISU campus as a student, taking classes just for fun.

Ruth’s childhood love of sports eventually expanded into an adulthood passion for anything active. She enjoyed golfing, swimming, bowling, snowmobiling, skiing, camping, fishing, and hunting. Ruth played duplicate bridge with both her sisters, Naida and Faye. She and Don frequently camped, fished, and played pinochle and bingo with Don’s brother Herm and his wife, Frances. Ruth and Don were active in New Knowledge Adventures and the Pocatello Senior Activity Center, and were dedicated gym rats at Fitness Inc. for many years. Ruth relished trips to Jackpot, Nev., and the Shoshone-Bannock Casino. She enjoyed gardening, and the fruits of her labor became legendary jams, jellies, breads, and pies, as well as a yard filled with beautiful flowers.

Ruth and Don were both avid ISU fans, attending football, basketball, volleyball, and softball games. They were also devoted supporters of their grandchildren’s sports teams and frequently traveled to their games and tournaments.

Ruth was always a fierce competitor, whether she was playing cards with family, vying in a golf tournament, or battling cancer.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, sister Naida Olson, brother Greg Darlington, several close sisters- and brothers-in-law, and her beloved dogs, Peanuts, Beau, and Kobi. She is survived by her best friend and husband, Don; her daughters, Donna (Kendal) Meier of Boise and Kaye (Monte) Black of Pocatello; grandchildren, Nate (Kimberley) Meier and Alex Meier, both of Boise; twin great-granddaughters, Kadence and Mckenzie of Boise; sister Faye Forrey of Chubbuck; brother Denis (Carol) Yost of Hayden, Idaho; sisters-in-law Frances Ashcroft of Pocatello and Arlene Barker of Chubbuck, numerous nieces and nephews, and special neighbors Mary Ann Wilkes and Vicki Simmons.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Heritage Home Health, Solace Hospice, and Brookdale Assisted Living in Chubbuck for the loving care they gave Ruth.

A viewing will be held at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road, from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 1. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 2, in Section 43 East of Mountain View Cemetery with the Rev. Roger Bray officiating.


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