Major Karen Joy Ashley
Karen Joy Ashley passed from this Earth into Heaven surrounded by family at her home on August 29th, 2013 following a courageous battle against melanoma.
Born Sept 05, 1956 in San Diego, California, Karen was adopted by Joy Olson Colbert and George W. Colbert of Oceanside, California.
As a teen she enjoyed the southern California beaches, swimming, surfing, bicycling, skateboarding, and her 1967 firebird. At Camp Pendleton, where her father was stationed, Karen competed in barrel racing on her horses Santana and Bob while participating in events alongside her brother Ross Colbert.
She graduated from Oceanside High School in 1974. She was a member of the flag, dance, spirit, cheerleading and debate squads. A favorite memory of hers was performing in the Rose Bowl Parade.
Karen's secondary education began at Palomar and Mira Costa Community Colleges earning an Associate Degree in Nursing. She Graduated from Cal State Fullerton completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. At the The University of Utah, she received her Master's Degree in Nursing as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
Her nursing career started at Tri City and Vista Hospitals in North County, San Diego and was followed by employment at Rady Children's Hospital of San Diego. She worked in the Pediatric intensive care, Neonatal Intensive care and Hematology/ Oncology Clinics.
Karen enlisted as a 1st Lieutenant in The United States Air Force in 1991, achieved the rank of Major, and retired in 2011. Throughout her career she received numerous awards and citations, yet the only pictures ever displayed on her office walls were drawings and photographs presented to her by the children she cared for. While Karen was often referred to as a doctor, Karen would quickly reply, "I am a Nurse". Karen lived for children and it became known throughout the pediatric clinic that her patients would be known as Karen's Kids.
Karen often stated that her job in the USAF was to care for the children and families of the fighting men and woman so that they knew their loved ones were being given the best possible care while they were away from home.
Karen retired as a Flight Commander for the 55th Medical Group Offutt AFB. Nebraska in Nov 2011. Additional Duty stations included: Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Hill AFB, Utah. Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. Langley AFB, Virginia.
After retiring from the Air Force, she chose to reside in Boise Idaho. Here, she was employed by the St. Luke's healthcare system in the CARES and Developmental Pediatrics Clinics. Karen was an advocate for abused, disabled, and disadvantaged children.
Karen enjoyed her time in Idaho boating, camping, riding her horse (Pete), and taking long drives through the mountains along winding river roads. She anticipated seeing the first glimpses of winter when the mountain peaks first became sprinkled with layers of fresh white snowfall, and she excitedly reacted like a small child full of energy and a sparkle in her eye. Karen enjoyed cooking, entertaining, and visiting with family. She was an avid book reader, enjoyed cross stitching, and her garden. A day never passed in which she didn't comment on the beautiful blue skies, the mountainous views, and the daily sunrises and sunsets she enjoyed from her home.
As a native southern California girl, Karen enjoyed going home. She would walk the flower fields of Carlsbad, the La Jolla shoreline, Oceanside Harbor, and the sandy beaches of North County. Her senses were renewed by the ocean and the memories of her youth.
Karen was a sports fan and delighted in debating and discussing sporting events with her sons. Her favorite sport was always Basketball. She never missed a final four tournament, the opportunity to see Duke play while watching with her son. She was always involved in any sporting event in which her boys participated. She was a fan of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont series, a passion first shared with mother.
Karen was preceded in Death by her Mother: Joy Olson Colbert, her aunt: Goldie Anthony, her in-laws: Kathleen and William Ashley, her brother in Law: Ronald Kirk Briggs, and her Grandparents.
Karen leaves behind many family members. She is survived by her Husband David Ashley of Boise whom she married on March 11, 1988 and with whom she recently celebrated 25 wonderful years of marriage, her daughter Amy Cipriano of Clearfield Utah, her oldest son Ross and his wife (Dana) Cipriano of Boise, her youngest son Nathan Ashley of Harrisonburg, Virginia, her brother Ross Colbert of San Marcos, California, her grandson Austin Cipriano, her granddaughter Audrey Tindol, her sister in law Debbie Ashley-Briggs, her brothers in law: Dan Ashley, Doug Ashley, her uncle Jay Anthony, her cousins Tammi and Jeff Swanson, her nieces Chelsea Toland, Jacqueline Briggs-Jenkins (Nick, Shaeley), Anne and Jenn Swanson, her nephews Jason Briggs, Justin Toland, Troy Anthony, Jeffrey Swanson, Ethan Ashley, Alec Ashley, and her Father George Colbert of Oceanside, California.
Viewing and visitation is scheduled on September 8, 2013 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at: Cloverdale funeral home in Boise (Cloverdale and Fairview avenues).
Traditional Funeral church services with music and scripture will be held on Monday September 9, 2013 at the Summit Church in Boise from 10:30am to 11:30 am ( overland and Five Mile Roads) immediately followed by a 1:00 pm service with full military honors at the Idaho Veterans Cemetery in Boise.
The family has requested that any donations be made to The American Heart Association.
Karen always said: "if you're a friend, your family" she lived those words and opened her heart and home to all.
Special Thanks to the following:
Ross Colbert and Tammi Swanson – A sister's love never ends.
Her children's family and friends: Your support has been unimaginable.
St Luke's CARES and Developmental Pediatric clinic co-workers: Dr. Michael Sexton, Dr. JT Leavell, Judy, and all the staffs.
Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI) Oncology and Radiology Departments: Dr. Krishna Alluri and Nurse Sharon: Dr. Tonya Kuhn, Deb, Colleen Lamberts, and all the MSTI staff members for their special kindness, caring, and professionalism during a very difficult time.
Hearts for Hospice: Sharon Ferrell, Terry and Staff.
Members of the United States Air Force.
Karen's Strength, Honor, Courage, Character, Faith and Beliefs live on. Her legacy rests with her Children: Amy, Ross and Nathan whom she loved as only a mother could. They are her gifts to this world.
There are two lasting gifts we can give to our children- one is roots the other is wings.
Karen Joy Ashley passed from this Earth into Heaven surrounded by family at her home on August 29th, 2013 following a courageous battle against melanoma.
Born Sept 05, 1956 in San Diego, California, Karen was adopted by Joy Olson Colbert and George W. Colbert of Oceanside, California.
As a teen she enjoyed the southern California beaches, swimming, surfing, bicycling, skateboarding, and her 1967 firebird. At Camp Pendleton, where her father was stationed, Karen competed in barrel racing on her horses Santana and Bob while participating in events alongside her brother Ross Colbert.
She graduated from Oceanside High School in 1974. She was a member of the flag, dance, spirit, cheerleading and debate squads. A favorite memory of hers was performing in the Rose Bowl Parade.
Karen's secondary education began at Palomar and Mira Costa Community Colleges earning an Associate Degree in Nursing. She Graduated from Cal State Fullerton completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. At the The University of Utah, she received her Master's Degree in Nursing as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
Her nursing career started at Tri City and Vista Hospitals in North County, San Diego and was followed by employment at Rady Children's Hospital of San Diego. She worked in the Pediatric intensive care, Neonatal Intensive care and Hematology/ Oncology Clinics.
Karen enlisted as a 1st Lieutenant in The United States Air Force in 1991, achieved the rank of Major, and retired in 2011. Throughout her career she received numerous awards and citations, yet the only pictures ever displayed on her office walls were drawings and photographs presented to her by the children she cared for. While Karen was often referred to as a doctor, Karen would quickly reply, "I am a Nurse". Karen lived for children and it became known throughout the pediatric clinic that her patients would be known as Karen's Kids.
Karen often stated that her job in the USAF was to care for the children and families of the fighting men and woman so that they knew their loved ones were being given the best possible care while they were away from home.
Karen retired as a Flight Commander for the 55th Medical Group Offutt AFB. Nebraska in Nov 2011. Additional Duty stations included: Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Hill AFB, Utah. Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. Langley AFB, Virginia.
After retiring from the Air Force, she chose to reside in Boise Idaho. Here, she was employed by the St. Luke's healthcare system in the CARES and Developmental Pediatrics Clinics. Karen was an advocate for abused, disabled, and disadvantaged children.
Karen enjoyed her time in Idaho boating, camping, riding her horse (Pete), and taking long drives through the mountains along winding river roads. She anticipated seeing the first glimpses of winter when the mountain peaks first became sprinkled with layers of fresh white snowfall, and she excitedly reacted like a small child full of energy and a sparkle in her eye. Karen enjoyed cooking, entertaining, and visiting with family. She was an avid book reader, enjoyed cross stitching, and her garden. A day never passed in which she didn't comment on the beautiful blue skies, the mountainous views, and the daily sunrises and sunsets she enjoyed from her home.
As a native southern California girl, Karen enjoyed going home. She would walk the flower fields of Carlsbad, the La Jolla shoreline, Oceanside Harbor, and the sandy beaches of North County. Her senses were renewed by the ocean and the memories of her youth.
Karen was a sports fan and delighted in debating and discussing sporting events with her sons. Her favorite sport was always Basketball. She never missed a final four tournament, the opportunity to see Duke play while watching with her son. She was always involved in any sporting event in which her boys participated. She was a fan of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont series, a passion first shared with mother.
Karen was preceded in Death by her Mother: Joy Olson Colbert, her aunt: Goldie Anthony, her in-laws: Kathleen and William Ashley, her brother in Law: Ronald Kirk Briggs, and her Grandparents.
Karen leaves behind many family members. She is survived by her Husband David Ashley of Boise whom she married on March 11, 1988 and with whom she recently celebrated 25 wonderful years of marriage, her daughter Amy Cipriano of Clearfield Utah, her oldest son Ross and his wife (Dana) Cipriano of Boise, her youngest son Nathan Ashley of Harrisonburg, Virginia, her brother Ross Colbert of San Marcos, California, her grandson Austin Cipriano, her granddaughter Audrey Tindol, her sister in law Debbie Ashley-Briggs, her brothers in law: Dan Ashley, Doug Ashley, her uncle Jay Anthony, her cousins Tammi and Jeff Swanson, her nieces Chelsea Toland, Jacqueline Briggs-Jenkins (Nick, Shaeley), Anne and Jenn Swanson, her nephews Jason Briggs, Justin Toland, Troy Anthony, Jeffrey Swanson, Ethan Ashley, Alec Ashley, and her Father George Colbert of Oceanside, California.
Viewing and visitation is scheduled on September 8, 2013 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at: Cloverdale funeral home in Boise (Cloverdale and Fairview avenues).
Traditional Funeral church services with music and scripture will be held on Monday September 9, 2013 at the Summit Church in Boise from 10:30am to 11:30 am ( overland and Five Mile Roads) immediately followed by a 1:00 pm service with full military honors at the Idaho Veterans Cemetery in Boise.
The family has requested that any donations be made to The American Heart Association.
Karen always said: "if you're a friend, your family" she lived those words and opened her heart and home to all.
Special Thanks to the following:
Ross Colbert and Tammi Swanson – A sister's love never ends.
Her children's family and friends: Your support has been unimaginable.
St Luke's CARES and Developmental Pediatric clinic co-workers: Dr. Michael Sexton, Dr. JT Leavell, Judy, and all the staffs.
Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI) Oncology and Radiology Departments: Dr. Krishna Alluri and Nurse Sharon: Dr. Tonya Kuhn, Deb, Colleen Lamberts, and all the MSTI staff members for their special kindness, caring, and professionalism during a very difficult time.
Hearts for Hospice: Sharon Ferrell, Terry and Staff.
Members of the United States Air Force.
Karen's Strength, Honor, Courage, Character, Faith and Beliefs live on. Her legacy rests with her Children: Amy, Ross and Nathan whom she loved as only a mother could. They are her gifts to this world.
There are two lasting gifts we can give to our children- one is roots the other is wings.
Major Karen Joy Ashley
Karen Joy Ashley passed from this Earth into Heaven surrounded by family at her home on August 29th, 2013 following a courageous battle against melanoma.
Born Sept 05, 1956 in San Diego, California, Karen was adopted by Joy Olson Colbert and George W. Colbert of Oceanside, California.
As a teen she enjoyed the southern California beaches, swimming, surfing, bicycling, skateboarding, and her 1967 firebird. At Camp Pendleton, where her father was stationed, Karen competed in barrel racing on her horses Santana and Bob while participating in events alongside her brother Ross Colbert.
She graduated from Oceanside High School in 1974. She was a member of the flag, dance, spirit, cheerleading and debate squads. A favorite memory of hers was performing in the Rose Bowl Parade.
Karen's secondary education began at Palomar and Mira Costa Community Colleges earning an Associate Degree in Nursing. She Graduated from Cal State Fullerton completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. At the The University of Utah, she received her Master's Degree in Nursing as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
Her nursing career started at Tri City and Vista Hospitals in North County, San Diego and was followed by employment at Rady Children's Hospital of San Diego. She worked in the Pediatric intensive care, Neonatal Intensive care and Hematology/ Oncology Clinics.
Karen enlisted as a 1st Lieutenant in The United States Air Force in 1991, achieved the rank of Major, and retired in 2011. Throughout her career she received numerous awards and citations, yet the only pictures ever displayed on her office walls were drawings and photographs presented to her by the children she cared for. While Karen was often referred to as a doctor, Karen would quickly reply, "I am a Nurse". Karen lived for children and it became known throughout the pediatric clinic that her patients would be known as Karen's Kids.
Karen often stated that her job in the USAF was to care for the children and families of the fighting men and woman so that they knew their loved ones were being given the best possible care while they were away from home.
Karen retired as a Flight Commander for the 55th Medical Group Offutt AFB. Nebraska in Nov 2011. Additional Duty stations included: Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Hill AFB, Utah. Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. Langley AFB, Virginia.
After retiring from the Air Force, she chose to reside in Boise Idaho. Here, she was employed by the St. Luke's healthcare system in the CARES and Developmental Pediatrics Clinics. Karen was an advocate for abused, disabled, and disadvantaged children.
Karen enjoyed her time in Idaho boating, camping, riding her horse (Pete), and taking long drives through the mountains along winding river roads. She anticipated seeing the first glimpses of winter when the mountain peaks first became sprinkled with layers of fresh white snowfall, and she excitedly reacted like a small child full of energy and a sparkle in her eye. Karen enjoyed cooking, entertaining, and visiting with family. She was an avid book reader, enjoyed cross stitching, and her garden. A day never passed in which she didn't comment on the beautiful blue skies, the mountainous views, and the daily sunrises and sunsets she enjoyed from her home.
As a native southern California girl, Karen enjoyed going home. She would walk the flower fields of Carlsbad, the La Jolla shoreline, Oceanside Harbor, and the sandy beaches of North County. Her senses were renewed by the ocean and the memories of her youth.
Karen was a sports fan and delighted in debating and discussing sporting events with her sons. Her favorite sport was always Basketball. She never missed a final four tournament, the opportunity to see Duke play while watching with her son. She was always involved in any sporting event in which her boys participated. She was a fan of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont series, a passion first shared with mother.
Karen was preceded in Death by her Mother: Joy Olson Colbert, her aunt: Goldie Anthony, her in-laws: Kathleen and William Ashley, her brother in Law: Ronald Kirk Briggs, and her Grandparents.
Karen leaves behind many family members. She is survived by her Husband David Ashley of Boise whom she married on March 11, 1988 and with whom she recently celebrated 25 wonderful years of marriage, her daughter Amy Cipriano of Clearfield Utah, her oldest son Ross and his wife (Dana) Cipriano of Boise, her youngest son Nathan Ashley of Harrisonburg, Virginia, her brother Ross Colbert of San Marcos, California, her grandson Austin Cipriano, her granddaughter Audrey Tindol, her sister in law Debbie Ashley-Briggs, her brothers in law: Dan Ashley, Doug Ashley, her uncle Jay Anthony, her cousins Tammi and Jeff Swanson, her nieces Chelsea Toland, Jacqueline Briggs-Jenkins (Nick, Shaeley), Anne and Jenn Swanson, her nephews Jason Briggs, Justin Toland, Troy Anthony, Jeffrey Swanson, Ethan Ashley, Alec Ashley, and her Father George Colbert of Oceanside, California.
Viewing and visitation is scheduled on September 8, 2013 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at: Cloverdale funeral home in Boise (Cloverdale and Fairview avenues).
Traditional Funeral church services with music and scripture will be held on Monday September 9, 2013 at the Summit Church in Boise from 10:30am to 11:30 am ( overland and Five Mile Roads) immediately followed by a 1:00 pm service with full military honors at the Idaho Veterans Cemetery in Boise.
The family has requested that any donations be made to The American Heart Association.
Karen always said: "if you're a friend, your family" she lived those words and opened her heart and home to all.
Special Thanks to the following:
Ross Colbert and Tammi Swanson – A sister's love never ends.
Her children's family and friends: Your support has been unimaginable.
St Luke's CARES and Developmental Pediatric clinic co-workers: Dr. Michael Sexton, Dr. JT Leavell, Judy, and all the staffs.
Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI) Oncology and Radiology Departments: Dr. Krishna Alluri and Nurse Sharon: Dr. Tonya Kuhn, Deb, Colleen Lamberts, and all the MSTI staff members for their special kindness, caring, and professionalism during a very difficult time.
Hearts for Hospice: Sharon Ferrell, Terry and Staff.
Members of the United States Air Force.
Karen's Strength, Honor, Courage, Character, Faith and Beliefs live on. Her legacy rests with her Children: Amy, Ross and Nathan whom she loved as only a mother could. They are her gifts to this world.
There are two lasting gifts we can give to our children- one is roots the other is wings.
Karen Joy Ashley passed from this Earth into Heaven surrounded by family at her home on August 29th, 2013 following a courageous battle against melanoma.
Born Sept 05, 1956 in San Diego, California, Karen was adopted by Joy Olson Colbert and George W. Colbert of Oceanside, California.
As a teen she enjoyed the southern California beaches, swimming, surfing, bicycling, skateboarding, and her 1967 firebird. At Camp Pendleton, where her father was stationed, Karen competed in barrel racing on her horses Santana and Bob while participating in events alongside her brother Ross Colbert.
She graduated from Oceanside High School in 1974. She was a member of the flag, dance, spirit, cheerleading and debate squads. A favorite memory of hers was performing in the Rose Bowl Parade.
Karen's secondary education began at Palomar and Mira Costa Community Colleges earning an Associate Degree in Nursing. She Graduated from Cal State Fullerton completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. At the The University of Utah, she received her Master's Degree in Nursing as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
Her nursing career started at Tri City and Vista Hospitals in North County, San Diego and was followed by employment at Rady Children's Hospital of San Diego. She worked in the Pediatric intensive care, Neonatal Intensive care and Hematology/ Oncology Clinics.
Karen enlisted as a 1st Lieutenant in The United States Air Force in 1991, achieved the rank of Major, and retired in 2011. Throughout her career she received numerous awards and citations, yet the only pictures ever displayed on her office walls were drawings and photographs presented to her by the children she cared for. While Karen was often referred to as a doctor, Karen would quickly reply, "I am a Nurse". Karen lived for children and it became known throughout the pediatric clinic that her patients would be known as Karen's Kids.
Karen often stated that her job in the USAF was to care for the children and families of the fighting men and woman so that they knew their loved ones were being given the best possible care while they were away from home.
Karen retired as a Flight Commander for the 55th Medical Group Offutt AFB. Nebraska in Nov 2011. Additional Duty stations included: Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Hill AFB, Utah. Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. Langley AFB, Virginia.
After retiring from the Air Force, she chose to reside in Boise Idaho. Here, she was employed by the St. Luke's healthcare system in the CARES and Developmental Pediatrics Clinics. Karen was an advocate for abused, disabled, and disadvantaged children.
Karen enjoyed her time in Idaho boating, camping, riding her horse (Pete), and taking long drives through the mountains along winding river roads. She anticipated seeing the first glimpses of winter when the mountain peaks first became sprinkled with layers of fresh white snowfall, and she excitedly reacted like a small child full of energy and a sparkle in her eye. Karen enjoyed cooking, entertaining, and visiting with family. She was an avid book reader, enjoyed cross stitching, and her garden. A day never passed in which she didn't comment on the beautiful blue skies, the mountainous views, and the daily sunrises and sunsets she enjoyed from her home.
As a native southern California girl, Karen enjoyed going home. She would walk the flower fields of Carlsbad, the La Jolla shoreline, Oceanside Harbor, and the sandy beaches of North County. Her senses were renewed by the ocean and the memories of her youth.
Karen was a sports fan and delighted in debating and discussing sporting events with her sons. Her favorite sport was always Basketball. She never missed a final four tournament, the opportunity to see Duke play while watching with her son. She was always involved in any sporting event in which her boys participated. She was a fan of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont series, a passion first shared with mother.
Karen was preceded in Death by her Mother: Joy Olson Colbert, her aunt: Goldie Anthony, her in-laws: Kathleen and William Ashley, her brother in Law: Ronald Kirk Briggs, and her Grandparents.
Karen leaves behind many family members. She is survived by her Husband David Ashley of Boise whom she married on March 11, 1988 and with whom she recently celebrated 25 wonderful years of marriage, her daughter Amy Cipriano of Clearfield Utah, her oldest son Ross and his wife (Dana) Cipriano of Boise, her youngest son Nathan Ashley of Harrisonburg, Virginia, her brother Ross Colbert of San Marcos, California, her grandson Austin Cipriano, her granddaughter Audrey Tindol, her sister in law Debbie Ashley-Briggs, her brothers in law: Dan Ashley, Doug Ashley, her uncle Jay Anthony, her cousins Tammi and Jeff Swanson, her nieces Chelsea Toland, Jacqueline Briggs-Jenkins (Nick, Shaeley), Anne and Jenn Swanson, her nephews Jason Briggs, Justin Toland, Troy Anthony, Jeffrey Swanson, Ethan Ashley, Alec Ashley, and her Father George Colbert of Oceanside, California.
Viewing and visitation is scheduled on September 8, 2013 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at: Cloverdale funeral home in Boise (Cloverdale and Fairview avenues).
Traditional Funeral church services with music and scripture will be held on Monday September 9, 2013 at the Summit Church in Boise from 10:30am to 11:30 am ( overland and Five Mile Roads) immediately followed by a 1:00 pm service with full military honors at the Idaho Veterans Cemetery in Boise.
The family has requested that any donations be made to The American Heart Association.
Karen always said: "if you're a friend, your family" she lived those words and opened her heart and home to all.
Special Thanks to the following:
Ross Colbert and Tammi Swanson – A sister's love never ends.
Her children's family and friends: Your support has been unimaginable.
St Luke's CARES and Developmental Pediatric clinic co-workers: Dr. Michael Sexton, Dr. JT Leavell, Judy, and all the staffs.
Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI) Oncology and Radiology Departments: Dr. Krishna Alluri and Nurse Sharon: Dr. Tonya Kuhn, Deb, Colleen Lamberts, and all the MSTI staff members for their special kindness, caring, and professionalism during a very difficult time.
Hearts for Hospice: Sharon Ferrell, Terry and Staff.
Members of the United States Air Force.
Karen's Strength, Honor, Courage, Character, Faith and Beliefs live on. Her legacy rests with her Children: Amy, Ross and Nathan whom she loved as only a mother could. They are her gifts to this world.
There are two lasting gifts we can give to our children- one is roots the other is wings.
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