Ashley Marie Santos

Ashley Santos, 27, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away on July 21, 2026, in Richmond. Ashley lived a life defined by determination, compassion, and joy. She touched countless lives through her kindness, unwavering work ethic, and genuine love for others.

Ashley was born on February 27, 1999, in Fairfax, Virginia, to Nelson and Lourdes Santos. She attended Naperville North High School in Naperville, Illinois, before continuing her education at Illinois State University, where she graduated with Honors.

A gifted student-athlete, Ashley distinguished herself both on the soccer field and in the classroom. As a Division I soccer player at Illinois State University from 2017 to 2021, she built an extraordinary legacy through her leadership, resilience, and commitment to excellence. She earned numerous honors throughout her collegiate career, including being nominated for the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year Award and receiving the Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award in both 2020 and 2021. She was also a two-time First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference selection, a CoSIDA Academic All-American Third Team honoree, a CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team selection, recipient of the Missouri Valley Conference State Farm Good Neighbor Award, the Dr. Charlotte West Scholar-Athlete Award, and many other academic and athletic recognitions.

Ashley leaves an enduring mark on Illinois State University soccer, where she still holds the program records for most games started (89) and most minutes played (7,421).

Following graduation, Ashley began her career as a mathematics teacher at Atlee High School, where she inspired students with her compassion, patience, and enthusiasm for learning. She later transitioned into the technology industry, serving as an Account Executive with Delinea for the past two years. In every role she embraced, Ashley earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, students, and friends through her integrity, dedication, and positive spirit.

Outside of work, Ashley embraced life with boundless energy. She participated in numerous football and soccer leagues throughout the Richmond area, was an avid boxer and pickleball player, and loved every opportunity to stay active. She found great joy in spending time outdoors, appreciating nature, and especially in being with her beloved dogs. Whether on the field, hiking a trail, or simply enjoying time with those she loved, Ashley's vibrant smile and contagious enthusiasm brightened every room she entered.

Ashley possessed a rare ability to make everyone feel welcomed and valued. People were naturally drawn to her because of her kindness, selflessness, and authentic compassion. She approached every challenge with determination and confidence, proving time and again that she could accomplish anything she set her mind to. Her strength, humility, generosity, and unwavering optimism will remain an inspiration to all who knew her.

Ashley was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Lourdes Santos; her grandparents, Egna and Gilberto Santos; and her cherished dog, Bailey.

She is survived by her loving father, Nelson Santos; her stepmother, Lindsey; her brothers, Andrew and Ryan; along with many extended family members, dear friends, former teammates, colleagues, students, and all whose lives were made brighter by knowing her.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ashley's life during a visitation at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. Funeral services will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. A private burial will take place afterward.

Though Ashley's time with us was far too short, the impact she made will endure for generations. She lived with purpose, competed with heart, loved without reservation, and left the world better than she found it. Her smile, her strength, and her extraordinary spirit will forever be remembered and deeply missed.