Ashley M. Ross

With profound sadness, the family of Ashley Marie Ross (née Auck), 37, announces her unexpected passing on April 13, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota. Memorial service will be held at Augustana Lutheran Church, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00AM. Visitation will be held one hour prior at the church. A private family burial will take place in the Heger Family Cemetery.

Ashley was born on March 23, 1989, in St. Charles, Illinois to Jamie and Lisa Auck. She spent most of her life in Underwood, North Dakota, where she built deep roots in her community and touched countless lives with her kindness and creativity.

Ashley married the love of her life, William Anthony Lacey Ross, on August 7, 2009. Together they built a life centered around love and family. They welcomed their first daughter, Aryah Marie, on January 11, 2010, and their second daughter, Zalinah Lacey, on December 12, 2012. Family was the most important thing to Ashley, and she poured her heart into being a devoted wife and an incredibly loving mother.

Ashley worked as a manager at Grimsley’s Convenience Store, where she was known for her organization, dedication, and warm presence. Beyond her career, she had a lifelong passion for dance. In high school, she served as captain of the dance team, choreographing and leading them to multiple state championships. She later shared that passion as a dance coach for preschool and elementary students, inspiring young dancers with her energy and talent. She was also proud of her time as a dancer on the Wizards basketball team and loved supporting her daughters in the few years they danced as well. In recent years, Ashley's support for her daughters extended to new sports, and she was their biggest cheerleader in basketball and volleyball. Her love for them was evident in everything she did.

Ashley was incredibly creative and gifted in many forms of art. She loved drawing, sculpting, and creating- whether it was customized cakes, beautiful nail art, incredible costume make-up, or intricate miniature foods, she usually nailed it on the first try. She was also often called on to draw tattoos for others. Her creativity extended beyond art; she had a unique way of caring for others, always thinking of thoughtful, meaningful gestures that made people feel seen and loved during important moments.

She had a vibrant personality and a love for the quirky and whimsical, collecting small, joyful treasures that reflected her spirit. Nostalgia made up a huge part of who she was and how she showed her love for everyone around her. She also adored her dog, Ed, who held a special place in her heart, and she would be remiss if he didn't get a special shout-out in remembrance of her.

She is survived by her husband, William Ross; her daughters, Aryah and Zalinah Ross, and step daughter Makyya Kadence; her parents, Jamie and Lisa (née Chase) Auck; her parents-in-law, Anthony and Luesa (née Gordon) Ross; her siblings, Ian (Brittany) Auck, Devon (Ashley) Auck, Alix (Jacob) Ruff, and Charley (William) Hollom; her siblings-in-law, Michael Ross and Corinthia Ross; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Ashley was an active member of her community, and her loss is deeply felt by all who knew her. She will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, generosity, and the love she gave so freely.