I met Ashley in 2009 when we excavated together in Athens, Greece. Ashley's huge smile and relentless enthusiasm for life were infectious. We had a lot of fun that summer.

Ashley and I reconnected in 2017 during a trip to Oxford. It was wonderful to see her and to catch up on all that had happened in her life in the intervening 8 years - she had married, given birth to two children, and had started a PhD. I was in awe of her ability to juggle so many responsibilities while maintaining such a positive outlook on life. Her love of her research shone through. She was an attentive and thoughtful conversationalist, and she was warmly encouraging when I told her about a difficult decision I had recently made. We had coffee then went to Waterstone's bookshop with Alistair to browse the children's section. He was cheeky and lively (I remember Ashley laughing - "he's such a pill!") and Ashley took so much delight in him. She was a confident, joyful and tactile parent, carrying Alistair close to her body in a beautiful sling with ease and breastfeeding him in Waterstone's when he became tired.

I always assumed I would see Ashley again some day. Social media gives a false impression of perpetual proximity and permanence, so the news of Ashley's untimely death, which I received via Facebook from across the Atlantic, was deeply shocking. I regret not maintaining a closer friendship with Ashley, but I will always treasure and safeguard the memories we created and shared. Ashley's impact on my life was no poorer for the relatively short time we knew one another. Rest in peace, you beautiful, amazing woman.

Dear Aidan and Alistair:

I worked with your mom when she taught in the Center for the Core Curriculum, 2017-2020.  We would admire each  other’s necklaces, dresses, and lipstick.  We soon found out that we had much more in common than a colorful wardrobe – two boys, five years apart and the impact of our faith.  When she told me your names, I told her Alistair was one of the names on our short list for our first son (we named him John.)  Thereafter, we always talked about the two of you.  We shared stories about rearing rumbustious boys in NYC apartments, bedtime stories and the things we love about our boys - the wet kisses ("like little puppies,"), strong hugs, and the sound of your laughter.

Your mother was a dear and special person. I am so grateful to have had the privilege of knowing her. I will keep you in my prayers.

In caring sympathy,
Toni Gunthrope




I had the real joy to be Ashley's senior Rhetoric teacher at The Classical Academy. During that year, and somewhat the year prior, I came to know Ashley well, talking about course material, connecting on her academic interests, and grieving with her through family tragedy. I can think of very few students who were more scholarly and inquisitive, and the exuberant look on her face when she discovered something new, or saw a nuance or wrinkle in an idea...I still remember that look. I have no doubt it shined on her face throughout her time at Baylor, in Scotland, and at Columbia pursuing her doctorate.

But Ashley as you so must know was more than an amazing scholar. She excelled in the craft of intellectual discovery, but even way back in high school embraced the joy of it. In fact, joy seemed for many years to pervade the nooks and crannies of her life. Raising her boys, living in NYC, reconnecting with me and other high school teachers back in CO Springs. Yes, problems came and deepened through rocky years. But Ashley's sense of joy at discovery persisted. 

I came to love Ashley's spirit and depth like very few others in my teaching career. I am so very sorry for your family's loss, and I'm praying for God's abiding peace, comfort, and love through it. Please know that Ashley's mark was made not only on students and those younger than her, but on her teachers, mentors, and admiring adults who saw her grow as older adults. We loved her!!

 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38-39.

I first saw Ashley at my very first conference when I was an undergrad and she was at Columbia. A Baylor professor and I were watching her present her paper and I was so amazed by her passion and animation. The professor told me, "that's who you want to be like in a few years". Over the years and conferences, we became friends and I looked up to her so much as a friend and scholar. Every conversation was so encouraging and loving; we talked about Phaethon and violin and motherhood and the ups and downs of PhD life. She was always endlessly generous with advice and laughter. My heart goes out to all who love her, and she and her family are in my prayers.

Ashley and I were both University Scholars at Baylor and studied abroad in St. Andrews. We were neighbors and close companions during our time in Scotland, often walking the half hour between our dorm and town together. We spent those walks dancing in the snow, confiding in each other, laughing, enjoying the stars, wondering aloud about life’s meaning and purpose… it feels like yesterday. 

I remember Ashley, vibrant and beautiful, on those walks. I remember Ashley at home in her books; she was already a dedicated scholar. I remember Ashley with a spark in her eyes sharing the story of a dreamy date with a handsome Baylor student who was studying abroad in England. I remember having debates with Ashley over abstract ideas and I remember her graciousness when I was wrong; she was already a great teacher. I remember Ashley giddily planning her undergraduate thesis and her wedding in the same breath. I remember Ashley with Aidan on her hip at our graduation.

Ashley was fun. She was a kind friend and an exceptional woman. I’m glad to have known her for a time. Wishing peace for all those who care for her. My condolences to the family. It was clear how much she loved you all.  

I had the privilege of knowing Ashley in her 4-H days as a coach and friend.  We spent countless hours preparing for hippology and judging contests and traveling the country attending various contests.  Ashley was always a joy to be around as was her mom and step dad.  Her shining spirit, faith, and never ending pursuit of knowledge always amazed me.  When studying equine anatomy she was always teaching us how to pronounce the Latin terms and would explain their meanings even as a teenager.  There was always lots of laughter and good times when we were together.  Although I haven’t seen her in a few years I’ve enjoyed watching her become a mother and a scholar.  It was always evident how much she loved those two boys.  It’s hard to imagine a world without Ashley.  A brilliant star has been extinguished, but never forgotten, from this world.  My deepest condolences to Jeanie, Gary, Aidan, and Alistair.

I remember assisting Ashley and her 4H teammates on their annual 4H project books! They were so much fun and there was always 10x more photos on the floor they wanted to get into the Mt. Herman group book as well as the whole club and individual projects. Somehow it all came out. Even the year of the 911 Attacks, we got the record books done and into the CSU Extension Office. One year they attended US Nationals for Arabians in ABQ, NM! The hotel rooms were a huge mess of kids and clutter but in the end the kids had fun! I'd do it all over again in a New York minute! 

So, so sad to hear of this loss. Ashley was such a graceful presence, and I always appreciated our talks (on everything from motherhood to Cicero, of course!). We were ISI Weaver Fellows (and roommates!), and when she spoke about teaching in the Great Books-style core program at Columbia she absolutely lit up. Everyone who heard her could tell she was a fantastic teacher. I also appreciated that in the last two years she was ready to reach out for prayers and to pray for others. She was attuned to the Spirit of God in the world, and has now been welcomed into that ultimate embrace. Praying for her, and for all who knew her and loved her, especially her parents and two boys!
With love,
Mary

Ashley was my very first friend. We were born only 6 weeks apart and we lived down the street from each other. Our mothers would babysit for each other. As a toddler Ashley had the brightest white-blonde hair and red lips. Together, we loved playing in the garden in our bonnets and dresses. In elementary school, I remember when Ashley’s love for horses began. She had the biggest and best “My Little Pony” collection a girl could ask for. We would play with these figurines for hours upon hours. She also had a fond love for butterflies. I remember catching butterflies in her backyard and caring for them in her butterfly sanctuary. She took me to the butterfly museum where we were filled with awe and wonder of Gods beautiful creation. I have endless memories of dress ups and tea parties. She was bright and curious, she was kind and caring, she was beautiful inside and out. I will treasure our friendship forever.  

I met Ashley while working at a non-profit serving women facing unexpected pregnancies in New York City. She quickly became someone I truly admired -- she was incredibly bright and impressive professionally and also greatly valued her role as a mama. Ashley was a person of deep faith, eager to encourage and quick to remind you of God's goodness. She was passionate about the dignity of every human life. 

In the spring of 2016, Ashley reached out to me about a student she knew at Columbia who was unexpectedly pregnant. That student  went on to law school that fall as a young mom. I know that Ashley was an important part of her story and support system. 

Ashley was a lovely person and friend. She was thoughtful and kind and had a sparkling personality. We lost regular touch after I moved out of New York to go to law school myself, but I am devastated to hear about her untimely death.  Christ, have mercy. I am praying for the family and for all who loved and were loved by her. 

I was in the group that went with Ashley to St. Andrews. We got there on January 30th, 2009, and on February 4th, we celebrated Ashley's birthday. A group of us went to Ashley's apartment where she was staying that semester and then went to the Vic, a pub in St. Andrews, to have some cake. There was music with a DJ and a small dance area. A lot of our group (including me) didn't dance at first but instead stood on the sidelines. Ashley, however, was on the dance floor encouraging us to join her. Finally, along with a friend, she started pulling us in. That's how a lot of our group ended up on the dance floor, laughing and having a good time. We had a lot of great memories that semester traveling,  hiking, and hanging out. She was an incredible companion for all of us on that trip. I'm so sorry to hear of her loss. 

Exceptionally genuine and generous people, like Ashley Simone, exert a gravitational pull. I’d see her primarily at big department holiday parties, which at first, when I had newly joined our mutual department, were a source of far more anxiety than pleasure. She’d be there with one adorable small child, and later with two, but somehow at the same time as she attended to her child(ren) she managed to focus on our conversations and talk with an honesty and warmth that redeemed those events for me. It couldn't have been easy navigating motherhood and graduate school at once, but she did it with grace and skill. Our most recent interactions had centered on a fascinating paper she’d given on a poem of Cicero’s that described the zodiac—part of what I understand to have been a truly excellent dissertation. I was fascinated because his description, in parts, closely matched the zodiac ceiling at Dendera in Egypt. She and I met for coffee later to talk in more depth, which was a real pleasure, but I was particularly impressed that after having moved to Austin and started her new job at St. Mary’s, she took time that she really, in fact, couldn’t easily spare to help a Barnard senior I had directed towards her, who was doing her thesis on the social history of astrology. Characteristically, she made a connection and helped, even at a point when she must have been stretched thin. I’m so very thankful that I had the chance to know Ashley, and my heart goes out to all who loved her.

Ashley and I have countless memories from Riding Horses thru 4H to working at Shiloh Ranch together. I remember having fun learning to drive the old stick shift Ford truck and all our countless hours never wasted together at the barn.
Ashley you were truly one of my best friend growing up and I'm always going to hold u near and dear to my heart. Rest in Peace sweet Angel!

As teenagers, Ashley and I spent countless hours together at horse shows and 4-H events. Those memories are some of the fondest of my life. She brought tremendous joy into my life in those days; we would spend evenings discussing Mr. Darcy’s merits, dancing to Britney Spears, or speaking in our secret language, “Gibberish”.  Ashley was the kind of friend who always made you feel like what you had to say mattered. She had a love for learning unlike I’ve ever seen - interested in subjects ranging from Ancient Greek to equine anatomy.  Life took us in different directions as we grew older but I have always had immense love for her in my heart and treasured the time we spent together growing up. It’s hard to imagine a world without Ashley’s pure and kind heart - it is a great loss to all of us who knew her.  My heartfelt sympathies go to Jeanie, Gary, and her precious boys. 

I have been in complete denial and shock since September 17th upon hearing of Ashley's passing. Ashley is such a sweet, kind, caring, and soft spoken person who will missed greatly by myself and many others who she has made an outstanding impact on throughout her short life. I send my deepest condolences to Jeanie, Gary, Aidan, and Alistair. I send prayers for her parents, all our family, her friends, and especially her sons. Love you always

My heart is breaking for you, Jeanie. I am lifting prayers for your strength many times each day. My deepest sympathy and love to you, Aidan and Alistair. I will be there on Saturday. Many hugs, dear friend.

Ashley, her mother and I attended a liturgical Roman Catholic church service when most churches were closed during the summer of 2020, during the height of pandemic shutdowns. Ashley's longing for the sweetness of  a spiritual embrace was evident; she knelt humbly, she walked confidently to the altar where she received, I believe, the kiss of angels and the peace of God. I will never forget her beautiful face and the lightness of her spirit that day. Although she is now beyond the veil, I have no doubt that she has joined the cloud of heavenly spirits who rain comfort down to everyone on earth who has lost a loved one. Her purpose on earth continues....

Ashley, you were such a dear friend. You once drove three hours out of your way to pick me up in the middle of nowhere, Colorado, and three hours back again. You blew me away that day. You told me it gave you joy to witness the beauty of the world around you. It was no big deal for you to do it. You were the best host! You took me hiking and showed me the beauty of your hometown. It only enhanced your own. You had such a lovely soul and a kind heart. Ashley, I will miss you so much on this earth, and I yearn to see you again in heaven.

As part of the awards committee, I had the pleasure of reading all the reviews that Ashley's students submitted for her. The level of love and admiration that her students felt for her was astonishing. She will be missed. And she will be remembered as the magical, scintillating teacher she was.

Memorial Donations In honor of Ashley, help her boys.

Catholic Mass

Funeral Service

A Celebration of Life Service

Gary Crooks

Jeanie Young

Aidan Simone

Alistair Simone

Caleb Simone

Ashley is also survived by Caleb's parents, Ken and Brenda Simone of Chappell Hill, TX; aunts/uncles Bonnie (Randall) Wilkens, Mount Vernon, WA; Beverly (Rich) Benjes, Hutchinson, KS; Wes (Joyce) Johnson, Baldwin City, KS; Ronda Sorenson, South Haven, KS; Benita Reese, Burleson, TX; and Roy (Jody) Crooks, Crowley, TX; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, and friends.

OBITUARY

Ashley A. Simone

February 4, 1988 – September 16, 2021

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