Anthony “Tony” Ault, a longtime journalist, educator, and U.S. Army veteran, passed away Thursday, June 5, at the age of 83, leaving behind a powerful legacy of service and community reporting in Southwest Riverside County.
Ault served as a reporter, editor, and photographer for Valley News for nearly 25 years, where he became a trusted voice in local journalism. Known for his calm demeanor, curiosity, and deep sense of fairness, he covered a broad range of stories—from city councils and school board meetings to community celebrations and breaking news—always with the belief that old-fashioned local journalism mattered.
Tony loved being an integral part of the community. He took his job as a journalist seriously, communicating to the public the items of importance at city meetings or telling the stories of the accomplishments of local nonprofits. He had a heart for veteran issues. He documented the growth of all the new cities with an even-handed tone. He was an old-school reporter who reflected the soul of the community and is already greatly missed.
Menifee City Manager Armando Villa, when learning of the news, said, “Menifee mourns the loss of Tony Ault, a beautiful and pleasant gentleman. Tony always brought joy and a smile when we chatted. Tony was the perfect and respected reporter as he always wrote responsible and objective facts. He will be sorely missed because of his desire to spread joy and love to his community through his reporting style. Menifee loves you, Tony!”
Temecula City Manager Aaron Adams wrote, “The City of Temecula extends our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Tony Ault. Mr. Ault’s distinguished career in journalism provided news coverage throughout the region, including City of Temecula updates on a wide range of topics from Temecula infrastructure projects and the I-15 French Valley Parkway Project to the new skate park design and beloved community events, holiday parades, and so much more. His thoughtfully crafted articles over many years have established a lasting legacy that will continue to serve as an enduring record of Temecula’s news and events. I will miss what was always a pleasant greeting, a large smile, and easy conversation about work, life/family with Tony.”
Former Murrieta Mayor and City Councilman Jonathan Ingram said, “Tony’s passing is truly a loss for our valley and for everyone the Valley News represents. Having worked with him for over a decade, I saw firsthand his dedication, honesty, and genuine kindness. Even in times when relationships between officials and the media could be strained, Tony always approached his work with respect and integrity. Our communities are better because of him, and I will deeply miss both his friendship and his unwavering commitment to telling our stories.”
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tony Ault, a dedicated journalist whose work with Valley News profoundly impacted the San Jacinto Valley. Tony’s commitment to reporting was evident in his extensive coverage of local events, from city council meetings to community gatherings, reflecting his unwavering dedication to keeping our community informed. City Council and staff thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.” Cynthia Espinosa, MPA, Director of Community Engagement and Communications.
Lake Elsinore Director of Economic & Legislative Affairs Gina Gonzalez wrote, “Tony was involved in everything, and his passing will be felt in our communities. My first time meeting Tony was back in 2015 and he already had 30 years of journalism under his belt. The people, projects and stories he covered for our cities are so profound. Tony always worked to tell our stories and inform our communities of the latest happenings. Our communities will never be the same without him. Our condolences to his family and friends for the loss of a journalism legend for our region.”
Born in 1941, Ault grew up with strong values rooted in service and integrity. He served honorably in the United States Army, where he developed a deep sense of duty and discipline that stayed with him throughout his life. After his military service, Ault pursued a career in journalism and education, teaching aspiring writers while continuing his own work as a reporter.
Former Valley News Editor Kim Harris remembered Tony as a mentor and a coach—both in the classroom and in the newsroom. “Even though I was technically his boss, I would learn things from him on a daily basis,” she said. “His knowledge and love for local journalism was present in every conversation he and I had. On a personal note, Tony’s faith and unwavering support inspired me to be a better person and this world will be a much sadder place without him.”
Colleagues at Valley News recall his encouragement and mentorship, his insistence on getting the facts right, and his quiet presence at community events, camera and notepad in hand.
Ginger Greaves, Executive Director, The Nature Education Foundation at the Santa Rosa Plateau said, “A good soul generally refers to a person who possesses virtuous qualities, kindness, and a compassionate nature. They are often seen as having moral integrity and are known for their calmness, magnanimity, and ability to help others. These things and more describe dear, sweet Tony. He loved people, their stories, and looked for the goodness in people. He loved the natural world and relished in how a child and adults can be changed by embracing and protecting nature. He served on the Board of Directors of The Nature Education Foundation for seven years; always present, informed, and ready to help in any way, despite battling chronic pain. He was ever happy, engaged, and thoughtful, and he was a gifted crafter of words. We extend our condolences to his family, to the Valley News, and to our community at large as we have, for sure, lost one of the good ones.”
Before joining Valley News, Tony and his wife Merilyn co-owned a shopping newspaper for several years. The couple met and married in Salt Lake City before settling in Hemet, where they lived for over 25 years. Merilyn, who was a strong supporter of Tony’s work, passed away in June 2020 after 49 years of marriage.
Tony’s brother Steve Ault said, “He will be remembered by family as an optimist and a gentleman who always had a good thing to say about others, always put his family first, and as a guy who always enjoyed bluegrass music. He was an avid outdoorsman and forest conservationist.
His son Mike Ault wrote, “My dad loved me unconditionally. He told me that no matter what I did, he would always support me and love me. I’ve tried to do the same with my own child, but I can never be as selfless as this wonderful human being. That’s my father. He was always there for anyone who needed him. My dad always chased the truth and gave fair and valuable opinions while keeping an open mind, never wavering from the truth.”
Those close to Ault know he was never too busy to stop and talk, lend a hand, or offer a smile. Even in his later years, he remained an active contributor to public discourse, believing that the stories of ordinary people—and the issues that impacted their lives—deserved thoughtful, compassionate coverage.
“He was the best man on earth. There are no words to describe how wonderful he and his wife were the most wonderful people you could meet. You felt at home with him. You just never know what you have til it’s lost,” said neighbor and friend Shirley Molina
Tony Ault also worked with Mentoring for Purpose, a nonprofit recently launched to support local journalism interns and aspiring reporters. The program, run by Valley News, provides hands-on experience to young people and adults changing careers, looking to make a difference in their community.
A memorial service will be announced in the coming weeks.
