Ashley Anderson
October 4, 1985 ~ July 18, 2014
Ashley L. Anderson, 28, Fargo, died in her home on Friday, July 18, 2014. A bright, and beautiful young woman who was small in stature and possessed quick wit and enormous heart, Ashley died after struggling with the illness of depression for many years.
Ashley was born on October 4, 1985, in Fargo, ND, to Jon and Nikki (Garamella) Anderson. She grew up in Fargo and graduated from Fargo South High School in 2004. While at South High, Ashley’s determination and love of competition were shown in her exuberance for playing soccer and hockey. She also showed leadership and camaraderie in serving as captain for both teams. Ashley went on to play college hockey and later graduated with a degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice. Her early career was in the field of loss prevention for a local chain of stores. More than one escaping shoplifter twice her size was surprised to be taken down by such a small, pretty woman.
Ashley’s dream was to work for the U.S. Border Patrol, and although the requirements were rigorous, Ashley completed them, scoring in the 97th percentile. Unfortunately when the call came many months later for the final step in the process, Ashley’s illness had reasserted itself.
As a child, Ashley heralded any accomplishment by mimicking professional athletes with her two hands raised high in the air. She never stopped loving her hoodies, sweatpants, and gym shoes. Ashley was a beloved daughter, cherished sister, and true blue friend. A favorite quotation of Ashley’s was, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” The wish of Ashley’s family and friends is to honor her great heart and abundant spirit by carrying on the beauty of her dreams.
She is survived by her parents, Jon and Nikki Anderson, Fargo; brothers Michael and Lucas Anderson, Fargo; grandparents, Minerva L. Anderson Frazee, MN, and Michael A. Garamella Denver, CO.; aunts and uncles, Dave and Roxann Daggett, Frazee, MN, Tim and Margaret Holcomb, Neil and Michelle McCoy, and Robert Garamella all Denver, CO.; cousins: Stephen (Michelle) Daggett, Detroit Lakes, MN, Melissa Daggett (Jeff Clark) Atlanta, GA, Paul (Courtney) Kelly Little Rock, AR, Matthew (Naomi) Kelly, Zach and Nick Holcomb, Terry and Mari McCoy, all Denver, CO.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents H. Victor Anderson, Frazee, MN, and Helen E. Garamella, Denver, CO.
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West Fargo I had the pleasure of working with Ashley. I will always remember her smile and sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Heaven has another angel watching over us all.
Fargo ND
Nikki John and family
So sorry to hear about the passing of Ashley .Are hearts are aching for you .We will keep you in are prayers.
Joan& Jim
Finley ND
Nikki and Jon, our hearts go out to you at the loss of your daughter. Our words are so inadequate at this time when sorrow clouds out everything else. You all have battled right along with Ashley I am sure to overcome her depression. She is free now and whole just like you always hoped she would be. May you find comfort in the fellowship of family and friends.
Jon, Nikki & family
I am so incredibly sorry to hear about your loss. I was in Chicago for work when I got the news, and the memories immediately flooded back of when I first got to know her (ironically, in Chicago). As a freshman on Team ND
Ashley took me under her wing both on the ice and off the ice. Even in an off-season tournament, her leadership was so visible and her passion for the game was contagious. I pray that God will be with you through this time and you will find comfort in the memories and the lasting impression she had on so many.
Emily Sell – Ashley’s teammate at Chicago Showcase.
Please accept my condolences for the loss of Ashley. You did all you could to help her. She was a beautiful girl and lucky to have a loving family.
Memories of Ashley will never be forgot but cherished. I am truly shocked and deeply saddened she is gone. She was so incredibly amazing, an extremely excellent athlete/teammate and always was smiling. She always knew how to get us pumped up in the locker room jumping up and down in her skates and showed tremendous leadership on and off the ice. May you be at peace now and find happiness. Until we meet again on the ice, skate on!
Dear Jon, Nikki, and family,
We pray for peace, comfort and the continued support from the Lord, your church family, many friends, and community as you work through such a devastating and life changing tragedy.
Please know you will are never alone on this journey. You will be graced with the strength you need when you think you’ve reached the deepest, darkest corner in your being.
Love and Prayers to each of you.
Ed and Brenda
Moorhead MN
I remember first meeting Ashley in 6th grade and knew of her as a genuine and talented individual. We last spoke at Hornbachers a few years ago, talking about her job in loss prevention. She also spoke to my younger brothers high school class on her story dealing with the disease that is depression. That openness took an immense amount of courage and I hope Ashley’s closest friends and family can find that courage during this time.
Duluth, Ga 30096 GaSo sorry to read about the loss of your lovely daughter. May God be with you, to help you deal with this great loss.
My deepest sympathies to you all in your loss of Ashley. You don’t know me, and I didn’t know Ashley. I have an inkling of the pain you are feeling as I have a daughter who has struggled with depression for many years and failed at a suicide attempt a few years ago. If her husband had not come home early that day, we would have lost her. It took a long time for her to get over the anger of her ‘failure’ of that attempt. It took the rest of us a long time to get over the feeling of failure we had that we had somehow caused her depression and had not been observant enough to see the signs and symptoms looming. We came to realize, slowly, that we didn’t see the signs because she didn’t want us to see them. She’s a great actress and I pray each day God keeps her strong and gives her a reason to live one more day. Losing a child, or any family, member is so very painful. Losing someone to suicide is doubly so. I pray that you find some peace and healing as time goes on and that you do not hold yourselves at fault for her actions in any way. We can only guide our children so far and then must leave them in God’s hands. Ashley, I firmly believe, is now with God and at peace. Cherish all the good memories you have, and my God bless you all in this sad time. Thinking of you!
Highlands Ranch CONikki and family- I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Ashley. My memory of her is when her girls hockey team played my son Kyle’s hockey team in about 2nd or 3rd grade. The game ended in a shoot out and of course Kyle suited up as goalie. Ashley was the feisty girl that took it to the boys and won the game. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Fargo Prayers to this family! I will miss you dearly!
Fargo ND
Jon and Nikki:
I am so sorry for your loss…my heart aches for you.
Fargo ND
Jerry and I are thinking and praying for you and your family. Bless you and your daughter’s memory.
Nikki, Jon and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and for Ashley. We have many fond memories of her while at South High.
Dick and Mary
I had the honor of knowing Ashley and her beautiful family and becoming a close friend. I have so many amazing memories with Ashley and she changed my world immensely with her drive, determination, passion, kindness, and the ability of her to instill the BELIEF that anything is possible! What an amazing friend, family member, and person. Ashley you will be greatly missed but will be a part of my heart forever. My deepest condolences to Nikki, Jon, Michael, and Lucas. I love you and God bless.
To the Anderson family: My heart breaks for you and the loss of Ashley. I have known Ashley since Elementary School at Clara Barton. We continued on to junior high and high school. She was the one girl that would challenge me the most in anything I did. She had such a huge heart and was nothing but nice to everyone around her. She will be truly missed by so many people. My deepest condolences to all of you! Ashley will always be in my memory and I know everyone will always remember Ashley and the amazing person and friend she was to everyone!
I am sorry for your loss, I was shocked to hear the news. I worked with Ashley in Loss Prevention, she was always driven and told of her conquest with smiles and laughter.
Chester MTNikki, John, and Family,
May the love of friends and family carry you through the coming days and weeks, and may you always be able to remember your Ashley with a smile, and with thanksgiving.
With love and sympathy,
Margaret Novak (Sharon Secor’s sister)
Dear Jon & Nikki,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are aching for you! Losing a child is a pain we could never imagine. We will always think of Ashley with that big, beautiful smile on her face. We have so many fun soccer memories of her. She brought so much to the life and spirit of the team. We pray that all your precious memories will help with your unimaginable grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Al & Deb Rohrich
Fargo ND
Dear Jon and Nikki,
We were so sad to hear of your loss. Back when Emily (Williston) would play against Ashley (Fargo South), we would be so nervous because we knew how explosive she was as a hockey player. Then Emily not only had the privilege to play on her Chicago Showcase team but got to be a linemate with her. Emily many times talked about being on that line with Ashley and Amy Currier. And then we had the privilege to become friends with you Jon and Nikki. Remember Chicago (Oprah Winfrey, limo ride, tag at Navy Pier). Although we haven’t stayed in touch our hearts were crushed to hear of your loss. May God wrap his loving arms around you today and in the days ahead. You have many beautiful memories of that beautiful daughter of yours. Take care and God Bless all of you. Steve, Jan and Emily Sell
Fargo ND
Dear Nikki and Jon and family,
It is with a heavy heart I send our love and sympathy to all of you as you struggle to say good bye to Ashley. May she rest in peace.
East Grand Forks MN
I know you all have wonderful memories of Ashley that bring you joy and comfort today and always. Thinking of you.
Leah Hendrickson (Deb’s Mom)
Pelican Rapids Mn.Jon and Nikki
So sorry to hear about you beautiful daughter. I know how special daughters can be. Fill your heart with loving memories .
Blessing to your family.
Charlie and Linda Skarphol
My deepest condolences to your family, Ash was such a fun strong person, she made work fun even when it wasn’t. Some of my favorite times include her and her humorous antics. She is greatly missed, but she is at peace. Praying for you….
Our sweet Ashley. We are on our way to join in celebrating your life and I still cannot believe you are gone. My beautiful lifelong friend, I will see you again one day, but until then please watch over me and all of your family and friends. God bless the Anderson’s.
West Fargo ND
My Dear Nikki, My arms are wrapped tightly around you in my thoughts. I am in pain for you as you travel this road that I hope I never have to travel. Love You, Love You, Mary
West Fargo ND
Nikki and family,
You have my heartfelt sympathy. I pray happy memories and God’s grace help you through the challenges. May God bless you and keep you.
Colleen Taylor ( Woodrow Wilson coworker)
AZ
Ashley, you will be greatly missed. Thanks for the laughs and memories. I hope you have found peace. xo
– Ry
Dear John & Nikki,
My heart, love and sympathy go out to you. While I never met Ashley, your pride and love for her radiated as you told me so much about her last summer at the reunion. While she will be missed greatly and while it may not make sense, her time here was perfect and perfectly in accord with Gods will who used her to change the world in ways we will never understand nor comprehend.
She lives on as the amazingly perfect and beautiful soul that is Ashley and so, so much more.
Love,
Andy Friend
I got to work with Ashley for a couple of years. She was so vibrant and always full of energy. She will be missed by many.
Moorhead Dear Nikki and family- I am so sorry to read about Ashley’s death. I pray that God’s perfect peace would surround you at this terrible time of sadness. Battling depression is a horrible burden for anyone, and I’m so sorry Ashley had to bear that burden in her young life. She was fortunate to have loving parents like you.
Detroit Lakes, MN
Dear Jon, Nicki, Michael, and Lucas,
What heart-breaking news! I was Ashley’s fourth grade teacher and what fond memories I cherish of her. She was so enthusiastic, kind to everyone, and a joy to be around. Her life will be a huge loss to all who knew her. My heart just aches for all of you. I am so sorry!
Love, Sally Suby
Hickson ND
Nicki, Jon, and Family, Our hearts break & grieve for you in the loss of Ashley. We are praying for God’s peace, comfort, strength, & love to surround & hold you.
Love from The Luecke Family
We had the honor to know Ashley as a teammate and as a friend. We can still picture her smile lighting up a room and hear her infectious laughter and will forever be grateful for the time we had with such an amazing woman, whose dedication and tenacity made us not only better soccer players, but also better people. The world has lost a remarkable young woman that will never be forgotten and who impacted more lives than she likely knew. Rest in peace, Ashley. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Brittany Lawonn and Janel (Lawonn) Taylor
Mandan ND
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. I lost my son, Rory Benz, 16 months ago to suicide. He was also battling depression. He was also from Fargo. My heart hurts for you. You did not ask to go on this journey. Our children were hurting so badly, life was more painful than death. Please be kind to yourself, be gentle with your heart. Take your time, healing is a slow process. If you ever want to talk or scream or share, I’m only a phone call away. You are never alone. (701-729-2852)
VICKI OLSON
West Fargo, ND
Mike & family:
We are so saddened to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time. The Gorman’s
I have nothing but the best memories of Ashley and playing together on the Patriots. Although she was younger, having her as our captain my junior year was a no brainer, because the team respected her so much. She was such a natural leader and has the best spirit and attitude about her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
moorhead Minnesota
Our condolences .
Fargo ND
I was Ashley’ bus driver at Fargo South High for both Girl’s Soccer & for the very first sanctioned season of Girl’s Hockey. Ashley was always had an infectious smile on her face. She was quiet & let her talking & leadership speak for her on the field or the ice!! She will be very much missed!!
I had the honor to work with Ashley for few years. Great heart. She will be missed….Rest in peace…
Fargo ND
Nikki and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter, my prayers are with you
Fargo ND
As former neighbors of 8th street ( we lived across the street at 1350 ) we remember Ashley as a toddler and later as a Fargo South student. Our oldest daughters Jenny and Kate graduated with Ashley and were good friends with Chris Deckard. Ashley’s death came as a surprise and has left us with a real sense of mourning for a young life gone too soon!
We can only imagine the profound grief a parent feels at the loss of their child.
We extend our sympathies and prayers to all of your family. As parents, we are feeling pain in our hearts too!
Pat & Jerry Link
Moorhead I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is my thoughts and prayers.
Cavalier ND
Jon, Nikki, Michael, and Lucas,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. Tim and Marci Siegle
Moorhead MN
I didnt know Ashley but in reading her beautifully written obituariy I felt like I knew her. She sounds like an amazing women. I feel that you and Ashley have already helped lives. Im sorry for your loss. My son is going to be a junior at South this year. I think this fear goes through parents as our children grow and take hurdles toward adult hood. God Bless you all.
Eden Prairie MN
To the Anderson family: I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you. Ashley was a wonderful friend and team captain. She always made the hockey locker room a hilarious activity. The Maya Angelou quote comes to mind when I think about Ashley (“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”) Ashley was so caring. When you were with her, you could feel that she really cared about what you had to say or what you did. She was one of a kind and a truly great friend. I will never forget how she made me feel.
Sending your family lots of positive energy during this incredibly difficult time.
Dallas TXGod bless your broken hearts with His loving grace.
Detroit Lakes MnDeepest condolences to your families. Prayers and support sent to you. We are saddened to hear this tragic news. Though we can’t be there for funeral as we are in Finland, know we are there in spirit. God blessings to all! Shawna, McKenzie, Olivia, and Nolan.
Dear Andersons, I am so sorry to hear this news. My memories of Ashley as a sixth grader are so positive, she was certainly a ray of light to those around her. Her leadership and friendly attitude made her a clear favorite among her peers. My deepest condolences.
Fargo NdJon, Nikki and family, We are very sorry for your loss. Our memory of Ashley will always be of the feisty lil hockey chick – very talented on and off the ice. As her coaches she always made us smile and gave 110% all the time. She had a huge heart and a smile. We were very lucky to have gotten to know her and you guys as part of the Patriot family. Lots of good memories. ” if there ever comes a time when we can’t be together keep me in your heart and I’ll stay there forever” ❤️ You’ ll always have her there. RIP Ashley. Cindy & Pat
Fargo ND
My heart was so sad to hear of Ashley’s death. May you find comfort in family, friends, and faith as well as wonderful memories. I was Ashley’s teacher in high school and she left her impact in my heart. Ashley was so kind both to me and to other students. She had a smile, quick little laugh, and a true interest to offer each person she encountered! I can remember conversations in the classroom and I was always impressed with the sincerity she invested in listening and caring about others. Ashley was a talented scholar as well as athlete– a leader–yet so humble and giving. After Ashley graduated from high school, we had chance encounters in Fargo. She always took the time to visit, offer me that smile and quick laughter, and I always walked away from the conversation feeling “lifted”. Yes, Ashley left her imprint on my heart and all who had the privilege of knowing her!
Love to everyone!
Fargo ND
Jon, Nikki and family
We are so sorry to hear about Ashley. We remember fondly from the high school hockey days. She was an amazing young lady with a radiant smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time and our memories of her will remain in our hearts.
Fargo North Dakota
(ND)Jon,Nikki and family
We are so sorry to hear about Ashley. We remember her from the high school hockey days. She was an amazing young lady. Our hearts go out to you during this very difficult time.
Salt Lake City Jon & Nikki – just saw Wanda’s post & Donna’s email re: Ashley. I am so sorry for your loss. As hard as it is to bury parents, I can’t imagine having to bury a child – even if that child is an adult. My prayers are with you guys and your boys. I remember how you helped us after dad died – having us over for dinner and keeping us laughing. You guys have been such great friends to Wally & Wanda, and by association to the rest of us. Again – I am so sorry this has happened.
– Maggie
Fargo ND
Jon, Nikki, Michael, and Lucas-
We are so sorry for the pain you are having to endure. Ashley was a beautiful, kind, and feisty little hockey player who showed such leadership as a captain. May you find some comfort knowing her Heavenly Father has welcomed her with open arms as she begins her journey with Him.
Casey and Kari Callahan
Colorado Springs ColoradoI was a classmate of Ashley’s at South High. We often discussed the Fighting Sioux hockey team and local sports in between classes. As you read posts about Ashley on her Facebook and this guest book, you will hear nothing but great things about her. One of the things I liked most about Ashley, was that she was a leader. I liked seeing that as we served on the Captains Council for Sports at South. She is what we call in the military a “soldier’s soldier,” Meaning that she led by example, and would be down in the trenches with the rest of the team. I also witnessed this as a Soccer Team Manger for her team in 2004.
I will miss her a lot, and wish there was more I personally could have done to reach out to her, especially more recently. I wish the best for the Anderson Family, and know that Ashley is watching over all of us.
Fargo Dear Nikki and Jon and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful daughter, what a terrible shock. Sending prayers for peace and comfort and that you will be surrounded with love.
West Fargo ND
There are no special words to say at this time. There are so may people thinking of you and praying for you.
God’s peace to all of you.
Much love and many prayers sent to Ashley’s family and friends. I wish you all a healing and joy-filled celebration of her life.
West Fargo ND
My dear Nikki, Jon, Michael, and Lucas:
My heart is aching over the tremendous loss of your dear, treasured, fun-loving wonderful Ashley! Each and every time that I have seen Ashley she gladdened my heart and the memory of her smile and hearty laughter is resonating in my very core! This memory of her that I know we share must make this loss ever more so profound. My payers and condolences are with you as you try to work through this loss of your dear daughter and sister. Much love, Michele Vannote
Pelican Rapids Minnesota
John, Nikki, and family,
We are sorry for your loss of Ashley. Please know that we will keep you in our prayers in the months and years to come.
West Fargo ND
My condolences to Ashley’s mother, father, and brothers. No words can ease this pain. I’m so so sorry for your loss. My beautiful friend Ashley, may the smile you have never leave your face again, may you run fast and play hard for all of eternity. My heart aches that I will never hear your voice again, but I know your at peace now and I’m so grateful you entered my life. I will take the time we had together and treasure it always ♡♡
Clemson ScNikki, Jon, Michael and Lucas
I am so sorry for your loss of Ashley. She had a beautiful soul and a big heart. I have many fond memories of her that I will always hold close to my heart.
Fargo ND
Nikki & John–Our hearts ache for you & your family. We remember Ashley from hockey and the good memories we shared with Ashley and Amy. We are so sorry and hope you hold all those memories of Ashley close to your heart. Maybe this can help to get you through this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Love Dave & Kay Currier
Fargo ND
So sorry to hear about Ashley, I worked with her for some time and she was an awesome person. She will be missed by all of us. My heart goes our to Ashley’s family, I hope you will find peace soon.
Judy Meyer
Moorhead Jon & Nikki and Family,
We are so sad to hear about Ashley. May God’s peace be with you all in the days to come. If there is anything at all we can do, please do not hesitate. Take care
Fargo ND
Jon, Nikki, and boys,
My thoughts keep going back to your family. We are stricken by sadness to learn of your daughter and sisters passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. Kevin shared stories with our family about Ashley as he knew her as a young child. Lucas, I will always cherish our time we shared in Europe together. We are so, so sorry…
The Pagel’s
Even though we haven’t chatted in a couple years I still remember the times we worked together and I hope that you can read this in heaven and have a little laugh too! I will always remember the fun times we had when we worked LP together. We had some good laughs. Thoughts and prayers! Spread your wings and fly with the angels.
Melissa Bollinger (previously Legott)
Detroit lakes My dear girl. I am truly at a loss for words. You changed my life. You showed me that I was not alone and that someone does understand.
I keep seeing your smile, hearing your laugh. You were full of life. I miss you so much.
Farewell my dear friend, until we meet again. Watch over me and check in time to time.
I love you. Find peace my girl.
Pelican Rapids Ashley~ May you fly with the angels.
Jon, Nikki & family~ May you continue to see her beautiful smile whenever you think of her. Blessings.
Moorhead MN
Dear Anderson Family,
My deepest condolences for your loss. I will always remember playing hockey with Ashley, she was so talented. She made it look so easy to bring the puck down the ice and score a goal. May you all find comfort with the love and support from friends and loved ones. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Moorhead Minnesota
I offer my deepest sympathies to you, Ashley’s family, she was a shining star here at work and loved her job. We have lost a part of our Talecris family and we all will be sending, prayers, light and love your way in these hours of sadness. We celebrate her spirit and remember her always.
Hankinson I’m so sorry for your loss. Ashley was a very dear friend of mine. We worked together at Talecris And she always made working fun when she was around. We’re all going to miss her dearly at work. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Irene meyer (TALECRIS CO-WORKER)
Fargo ND
We are broken hearted over your loss! How can it be? May God be with you guys and help you bring comfort to one another. If there is anything we can do, it would be an honor…
Fargo ND
Nikki, Jon, & Lucas, & Mike,
We are truly so very sorry for your loss. Although no words can ease the loss you bear, please know there are many offering up Peace, Prayers, & Blessings to each of you.
Marla, Ken, Lynell, & Jon