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.
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.