On December 17, 1992, I was sent the beautiful, wonderful, most precious angel, Ashely Marie Vigil. How does someone try to sum up the life of someone so beautiful and special with mere words? There is nothing I could write that would do her or her memory justice.

She was born to a very young, unmarried mother who was very much not ready and not aware of the journey on which she was about to embark. Ashley was the most beautiful baby anyone had ever seen; she was born with a full head of hair and sparkling eyes.

She was the quickest baby and was everywhere. She was crawling, pulling to stand, and saying mama; but, Ashley was about to show the first signs of a disease that she would battle like a warrior her entire life. Ashley would love unconditionally her entire life. She would be the glue and the center of our entire family; her bravery absolutely unmatched.

Ashley’s bright smile lit up any room she was in. She brought joy and happiness to everyone around her. If you could make her laugh, everyone would join. Ashley came into this world a pure soul and she left as one as well. Ashley never hurt anyone and never even talked badly about someone; but the world was never kind to her.

Ashley is finally free from the body that kept her trapped. She is free to do all of the things her body never allowed her to do. We hope her Grandpa Mick Dickson is teaching her how to drive a Jeep, and her Uncle Nick Vigil is teaching her how to roll it, and that her Aunt Valerie Dickson is teaching her how to dance and swim. Ashley is surely teaching her sister, Autumn, all the wonderful things she taught her sisters, Alyssa and Tori, here on Earth; true love and acceptance.

Although we would have been happy for thirty more years, Ashley is no longer in pain and no longer trapped in a body that doesn’t work. We could not be more grateful for that. She endured more than anyone can ever imagine. She was the epitome of strength, grit, resiliency, and determination.

She was on a mission and she succeeded. Those of us left behind will continue what that beautiful, wonderful, precious woman started. The woman who never spoke, deserves as many words as can be put to paper. We will shout for her. We will write laws in her memory. The girl who could not walk will inspire masses to march in her honor.

Everyone in her family will miss her smiles, her expressive eyes, and the way she could make someone feel wonderful with just a look.

Ashley is survived by her mother, Paula Vigil; her father, Kenny (Bobbie) Vigil; her sisters, Alyssa Vigil and Tori Dickson; her brothers, Jordan Goranson and Noah Armstrong; her caregiver family, Mekette Konakis and crew, Moe and Annette Vigil, and all the boys and their families; and her favorite person in all the world, Grandma Glenna Gilson and Jackson Frederick; along with many aunts, uncles and cousins. We will miss her always.

She is preceded in death by her infant sister, Autumn; who Ashley is currently teaching about fight, and will, and love; the same lessons she passed on to us. We know her Aunt Valerie Dickson was waiting for her “Rain Baby” to teach her how to run, dance, sing, and be wild; Grandpa Mick Dickson, who is teaching her how to hunt and jeep; and Uncle Nick, who is teaching her how to roll it.

Funeral Service, Thursday, March 21, 2024, 11:00 a.m., Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main St.) in Price. Family will receive friends at Mitchell Funeral Home Wednesday evening from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and Thursday morning one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Cliffview Cemetery in Price. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral of Price and Huntington where friends and family are always welcome daily and may share memories of Ashley online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.