Ashley Jean Hays

Obituary

Ashley Jean Hays was born on August 18, 1962, in Dallas, Texas. Thanks to her parents’ love of travel and adventure, Ashley was fortunate to spend her childhood and early adult years in some of the most vibrant cities in the country, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, New York City (and suburban New Jersey), Boston, and Seattle.  When Ashley was just 10 years old and her brother Will was 7, the family embarked on a 20-week road trip around Europe, an adventure that sparked Ashley and Will’s lifelong love of travel and helped shape their world views at a very young age. 

Ashley was always an excellent student in the many schools she attended across the country.  After graduating from high school, she attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and graduated with honors with a degree in Education. She went on to receive a Masters Degree in Education at the University of Washington and taught at-risk children and teens in the Seattle school system.  It was in Seattle where she met and married Ken and had one son, Walker, who remained the greatest pride and joy of Ashley’s life. 

Later, Ashley relocated to Oro Valley, Arizona, to be closer to her parents who had retired there. Though her adult life was marked by significant health challenges and chronic pain, Ashley faced each day with strength, resilience, and a cheerful demeanor. Despite her own struggles, Ashley was deeply devoted to caring for and connecting to others. She was known to help and make friends with elderly neighbors, and lovingly supporting and cared for her mother, Jeannie, in her final years.

Ashley had a boundless love for animals - especially cats - who she adopted and rescued over the years. Her three cats (including one who lived to 22 years old) were blessed by her unending affection and care for them. Ashley’s warmth, bubbly personality and friendliness were evident to everyone she met.  Whether it was a stranger at the grocery store, a clerk at the local pharmacy, or a resident of the nursing home she visited, Ashley was known for her kind, engaging conversations and for making others feel seen and valued. 

Ashley passed away on June 18, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona. She is predeceased by her parents, Bill and Jean Hays. She is survived by her son Walker, her brother Will, her beloved cat Charlie, and many other relatives, friends, and those whose lives she touched along the way. She will be dearly missed.

A memorial celebration of Ashley’s life will be held on September 27th 2025 in San Diego, California. All are invited. If you aren't able to attend, all are welcome to send a video or audio clip of anything they would like to say for playback during the ceremony, to ashleyhaysmemorial@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations to an animal rescue is suggested - such as Pima Paws for Life (www.pimapawsforlife.org/donate.html), in honor of Ashley’s lifelong love for animals.

Gallery

Memory Wall

September 27, 2025

First day of school, 8th grade. In my math class, in walked this adorable girl. Blond hair in a Dorothy Hamill cut complete with wings, platform shoes and braces that covered the cutest smile I ever saw. I didn't know what I was feeling, being only 13 at the time, but I knew she was special. Fortunately, I never lost that feeling, or the memory of feeling that way, ever since.

I was so happy to reconnect with her 25-30 years after her family left NJ. We chatted a great deal, made trips to visit each other, and laughed about how, at 60, I became the guardian of a feral cat that bought me when I moved to Charlotte.

Rest in peace, Ashley. I will miss you know and forever.

Adam Jacobs

September 26, 2025

Ashley’s smile I will remember. A smile that radiated her innate goodness and genuine interest and care for others. Her gentle and sweet spirit will be missed by those close to her, both near and far.

Jamie Clatk

September 18, 2025

I met “Ash” as a teenager when we attended Camp Sandy Brook in Massachusetts. We were CIT’s (Counselors in training) and shared our love for everything Beatles. We would attempt to play songs on the piano in the dining hall, singing at the top of our lungs! Her lightheartedness, smile, and easy way allowed me to come out of my shell. She was such a bright light for me. We enjoyed many adventures that summer, and eventually meeting up later in Boston before we both headed off to college. Facebook brought us back together many, many years later. I recall seeing her picture and saying to myself, “she hasn’t changed much at all.” We’d both become teachers, working with students that had their own challenges. While I enjoyed our trip down memory lane, I was saddened to hear of her health challenges, She was such a special lady and will be truly missed.
“Though I know I’ll never loss affection
For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more”

Rest in peace my friend ❤️

Sharon Mayfield Casarella

September 17, 2025

This page has a Q&A that has a few answers, Here are more.

What was Ashley's favorite Travel destination?
Amsterdam + Colorado, Mexico, San Diego (both traveling to and living in)
What cause was important to Ashley?
Animal welfare + Social justice, Seeing vulnerable people and lending a hand
What was Ashley's favorite TV show?
Breaking Bad + Growing up she loved "Family Affair", "Partridge Family", "Little House on the Prairie" and "Carol Burnett Show". We both watched "General Hospital" together for nearly a year during the Luke and Laura phenomenon. Later she loved crime dramas like "Law and Order".
What hobbies did Ashley enjoy?
• Sewing
• Reading
• Creating art
+ Movies, Sharing Photos
What was Ashley's favorite activity as a young child?
• Going to the beach in San Diego
• Reading many, many, books
+ Riding Horses, Taking care of pet bunny, cat and dog, Going to school
What was Ashley's favorite genre of music?
• 90s grunge rock
• Ashley was also a massive fan of The Beatles and joined their official fan club as a child
+ She also loved Dan Fogelberg, John Denver and, unknown to me, had a pretty big metal collection on CD's in her living room.
What places did Ashley travel to?
Many places around the world including several trips to Europe, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, the Caribbean, and numerous trips to Mexico with family.
What was Ashley's favorite Color?
Pink

Will Hays

September 17, 2025

Sending love to Walker and the family and fondly remembering the good times in Seattle.

Susan and David Anstine

September 14, 2025

The Travis clan met the Hays clan in San Diego back in the 1970's. Our parents became best of friends, and we kids also got along well. Ashley and my sister, Teri, were close friends, but as we grew up, Ashley and I, too, became friends. I remember when her family moved to Newton, MA, and shared Thanksgiving with us. I was so impressed by Ashley's easy going nature, her self confidence, her sense of humor, and the bright, sparkle to her eyes. As we became mothers, Ashley before myself, Ashley shared her wisdom and offered great support. Her love for her family was ever present, especially for Walker. Dear Ashley, we miss you, your smile, your laughter, and your spirit. Blessings to you and yours. love, Leslie

Leslie Travis Baker

September 13, 2025

To my "sister" whom we shared a very important date..August 18th, our birthday. I will be expecting a magical heavenly birthday party when we meet again! You were so loved and you are so missed. 'Til we meet again ♡

Dana

September 11, 2025

Loving Ashley was so easy for me. During the time we were most close, she was transparently authentic and always so sweet really. The belly laughs we shared took away the intensity of other topics we shared. What a time, I will truly cherish the memories of conversations and love w this very valuable friend Ashley Hays.

JoLynne

Q&A

Celebration of Life Event