Ashley Ryan Flynn was born on January 13, 2003, in Helena and peacefully passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 29, 2018 from complications related to a seizure. She was diagnosed with Aicardi Syndrome at birth and her parents Tony and Laurie were told she would likely be blind, never walk, talk or even be able to hold her head up. Ashley immediately started proving the doctors wrong. Through daily physical and occupational therapy disguised as play time Ashley learned to roll over, sit up on her own, crawl and eventually walk and in her own crazy way, run. Ashley loved to love on everyone. She loved to give head hugs and tackle anyone willing or unwilling to be tackled.
From birth Ashley won the hearts of so many and had very special ladies that cared for her while her parents worked. Stacie Cassidy loved Ashley as her own child and took extra special care of her at the daycare and at home. Stacie was always aware of the special needs that Ashley had and went above and beyond to make sure they were met. When Stacie started a family of her own, she made sure to find the best replacement possible for Ashley. Stacie’s sister, Sarina Gilpin, moved to Helena and took over where Stacie left off. Sarina loved Ashley tremendously and like her sister took the absolute best care of Ashley. As Ashley became more mobile Sarina took her to the carousel, one of her most favorite places, the park and to play in any water source she could find. Sarina also started a family of her own and Connie Frieburg arrived at the perfect time. Connie worked with Ashley at the school and when we asked, she joyfully accepted the invitation to work with Ashley at home too. Miss Connie worked with Ashley at school for almost 10 years, teaching her letters, colors, shapes, sentences, and most importantly manners. Ashley’s most famous response was “no thank you”. Miss Connie loved Ashley as her family and Ashley adored Miss Connie. We will always hold a special place in our hearts for these ladies that loved Ashley so very very much.
Ashley’s life started with the best big sister in the world, Baylie. Baylie loved Ashley unconditionally from day one, even the day Ashley “accidentally” broke her nose. The jury is still out on that one. Baylie always protected Ashley and made sure she was always included in the fun. Baylie and her friends never treated her like she was different and made her feel special.
When Ashley was 5, her little sister Katelyn was born. Ashley wasn’t too sure about this little thing that cried all the time and couldn’t move around. Ashley quickly learned that the sounds this baby made were hilarious and she started mocking Katelyn’s cries for attention. As Katelyn grew older she became a little mother and always watched out for Ashley and made sure her surroundings were seizure proof and Ashley was safe. Katelyn made sure to give Ashley everything she requested like blankets, music, pillow and chips.
Ashley taught those around her that her disability is not the most important thing about her. For all that she experienced with her health she always had a smile and a hug that warmed your heart. And through that smile her disability disappeared and all you could feel was the love she had for everyone around her.
Ashley was so blessed to have a large immediate and extended family that loved her so deeply and without hesitation.
Ashley is survived by her parents, Tony and Laurie Flynn; sisters, Baylie and Katelyn; grandparents, Dennis and Barb Flynn, Cathy Murphy and Jacqueline Brazil; aunts and uncles, Amy Slusser, Chris Slusser, Chandra Rutzke, Jessica James, Chris and Sara Shook, Shana Brazil (Jordan Evans), Ryan (Buddy) Rutzke, and Frankie Rutzke; great-grandparents, Frank and Margaret Flynn, and Bonnie David; and many, many cousins.
Ashley is preceded in death by grandpa, Frank Rutzke; great-grandparents, Martin and Doris Murphy, and great-grandpa Bob Tilton.
Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 7th at Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St. in Helena. Rite of Committal will follow Mass at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will follow the Rite of Committal at the Brondel Center in the lower level of the Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Ashley are suggested to West Mont, 2807 Bozeman Ave., Helena, MT 59601 or to the Ronald McDonald House Charities Inc., 26345 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1263. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Ashley.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday June 7, 2018
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following Mass
Thursday June 7, 2018
Resurrection Cemetery
N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the the Rite of Committal
Thursday June 7, 2018
Brondel Center of the Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday June 7, 2018
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following Mass
Thursday June 7, 2018
Resurrection Cemetery
N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the the Rite of Committal
Thursday June 7, 2018
Brondel Center of the Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
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deb jacobsen says
We are so grateful to have been a part of Ashley’s life for 6 years. We learned so much about love and humor from Ashley. Katelyn and Bailey – losing a sister makes your heart break. She was so fortunate to be surrounded by you and your love. Tony and Laurie, we are so sorry for your loss.
Sending the whole family our prayers and blessings,
Deb Jacobsen and the Hawthorne staff
Lona Carter says
All of us at Jefferson are keeping you all in our thoughts and hearts, especially you Katelyn.
With deepest sympathy,
Your Jefferson School Family
Mary Kay Bennett says
In the silence of my heart, I pray a thousand prayers for Ashley and her family.
I am truly sorry for the loss of a beautiful young lady.
She was a bright light when she wandered through the flowers at the farm..she had the most beautiful hair I have ever seen.
Love to all of you. Mary Kay Bennett. ???
Toby DeWolf says
Tony and laurie and family. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you. Prayers are with you.
Karen Freiburg says
Ashley s family.so sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace.??????
Michelle Hanpa Lingenfelter says
What a beautiful tribute. I am sorry for your loss Flynn family. I know how much Grandma Barb loves her and all the grandkids. She talked about Ashley with such obvious joy. May God wrap you in His loving embrace
Beth Foster says
Dear Tony and Laurie, I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Beth Foster
Paul Ripplinger says
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. What a moving testimony of love and devotion poured out on this young woman! All who knew her and loved her are better people for it and no doubt feel blessed that she was a part of the Flynn family.
Paul Ripplinger
Karen (Dunn) Smith says
Laurie and Tony… keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in the memories you shared.
Christina Walsh says
Ashley was a classmate of my daughter, Kennedy Walsh. Kennedy loved Ashley and talked about her all the time. She will be missed very much in school and by my daughter. Love to you all.
The Walsh Family
Sidney Burgess says
Miss Diane, Tony, Laurie, Bailey, Katelyn and Dennis,
My heart is full of memories of Ashley … That Kindergartener humming classical tunes as she headed down the hall, her laughter, “No, thank you” and “I Saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus”, her letters and then reading! That girl proved everyone wrong! And I remember the gentle care Bailey took with her sister, greeting her, guiding her, rolling her eyes and laughing with her. We are all better for having known Ashley.
My family and I hold you all in our hearts. May the pain of your loss diminish by the day while your memories stay strong!
I am sorry I won’t be able to attend the celebration of Ashley’s life, as I am in Missoula on grandkid duty. I am sending light and big love to your whole clan and to Diane and to Ashley’s other special caregivers. I am so grateful to have known that dazzling sparkle of life! Bless her on her way!
With deepest sympathy,
Sidney Burgess
Peg Hunter says
This is a special message for you, Baylie. You were such a wonderful, loving, gentle big sister to Ashley, and I am holding you and your family in the light as you grieve the loss of your precious sister, daughter, and granddaughter. She was blessed to be born into your loving family, and she gifted the world with her special self. I send you a long distance hug from Port Townsend, Washington, where my husband and I moved two years ago. Please know my thoughts are with you. Love, Peg Hunter (Mrs. Hunter, your former teacher)
Chris Wall says
To Ashley’s family – your words about Ashley and your time with her speak volumes. I am so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jennifer Zody says
Barb and family-
My heart breaks for you. What a beautiful tribute for Ashley. Just as you were lucky to have her in your lives, she was also lucky to have all of you. Sending you thoughts and prayers–may your memories bring a smile to your face, even on the hardest of days.
Chilian family says
To the family,
We are sincerely sorry for your loss. It’s never easy to lose a loved one under any circumstance. Please be assured that Jehovah God is aware of your pain and he is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). The bible promises us that there will be a resurrection (John 5:28, 29) and that God will bring an end to death once and for all (Revelation 21:4). From that point on we will never have to feel the pangs of death again. We pray these words and scriptures are able to bring you some comfort.
Jim Quinn says
So sorry for your loss, we hope you can find some comfort during this time, our thoughts are with you and your family.
Jim and Brittany Quinn