Robert Ashton 'Ash' Whitt

Robert Ashton "Ash" Whitt was born October 17, 1957, in Thermopolis, Wyo., to Slim and Betty Lou (Jones) Whitt. He had a mostly happy childhood, riding, roping, trapping, riding on roundup, and shooting his guns. In 1976, he graduated from Shoshoni High School where he participated in wrestling and H.S. Rodeo. Some winters were spent in Tucson, Ariz., breaking colts, chasin' wild cattle, and riding saddle broncs. He and his pard traded beer for adobe bricks and built a bar, cafe, and arena where they held a nightly rodeo and Ash was the pickup man. He also provided teams, wagons, and his horsemanship skills for many tv commercials and movies. After some rambling, wild Wyoming and family called him home and he settled in the Big Horn Basin, but never lost his calling for adventure or being a cowboy.

Times were tough but he was tougher, and was handy at making somethin' out of nothin'. Ash loved to hunt and fish, dance, was quick witted and always loved a good joke. He was handsome and charming, kind and compassionate, strong and proud, a friend to many, and the best father. There was always an exotic variety of animals on the ranch that got saddled or harnessed for the kids and a 4th of July parade. He was proud as punch of his two kids, and of the longhorn cattle, saddle horses and bucking horses he raised.

He loved his family and friends, and always brought good stories and laughter wherever he went. Ash was a dreamer, a poet, an artist, a good cook, a teamster, and born 100 years too late. Most of all, he was a cowboy and a damn good hand. He truly rode for the brand, and was a legend in his own time. In recent years he worked construction, ran a cow/calf operation, and cooked in a hunting camp to make ends meet. He was delighted to welcome his first grandchild into the world in May. 

Horses were the love of his life, whether it was a good buckin' horse, a strong team, or a savvy saddle pony, he enjoyed them all. Ash stepped aboard his last bronc and headed for the sky on September 22, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his father, Slim Whitt; and brother, Hugh Whitt.

He is survived by his mother, Betty Whitt; brothers, Hub, Kenny, and Ab Whitt; sisters, Becky Cushing, Bonnie Whitt, Tammie Bostick, and Kelly Russell; spouse, Kori (Ingram) Whitt (divorced); daughter, Star Whitt (Nate Cumin); son, Hawk Whitt; granddaughter Pistol Cumin; cousins; and many nieces and nephews. Take a good look boys, they ain't makin' any more like him. -Always remember him for who he was.

A horsedrawn procession will begin at the Ten Sleep Rodeo grounds at 2 p.m., for one last ride. Graveside services will follow at the Ten Sleep Cemetery, in Ten Sleep, Wyo.  A celebration of life will be held in Thermopolis, Wyo., at a later date.  

Mortimore funeral home assisted the family with arrangements. A special thank you to the Mark Whitt family for your love and support.