Ashley Merritt Obituary

Missing you so much. Love you. God Bless you always!!!

Hello, my dearest Ashley. Merry Christmas. I have never forgotten you and am gratefully as close to your family as ever. I'm sure you know how dearly you're loved. God bless and keep you as I'm sure He did then, is now and ever shall.

Merry Christmas Ashley. I visited with you on my recent trip to Charleston. It never gets easier knowing you are not here. Missing you always and much love to you

I miss you so much. Love you!!! Gone too soon.

15 year today and are missed more than ever. I love you and miss your smiling face, your warm heart and your ever gentle presence!

Merry Christmas Ashley! Always in our hearts. You brought such life to our family! Love you and miss you so much!!

Sending you love on Christmas. You're never far from my mind.

I think of you often but it's impossible not to think of you at this time of year. You're loved, remembered and missed. God bless you, Ashley.

Ashley L.

Merry Christmas Ashley, we shall see you soon when our time is called. We love and miss you so much. You were a light shining making others welcome, full of joy and laughter. God Bless! Say hi to our family who are keeping you company and we see you again!!!!

Happy birthday in heaven; only wish you were here to celebrate it. I think of you often and miss your charismatic and infectious smile. Until we meet again...

Missing you

I think about you on this day and I remember you and all your beauty. I think of you and how much you gave to see a better world. You sought to see a better life for family and friends and you stopped at nothing. You made everyone around you very peaceful and at ease. You were the very essence of life and I am glad to have been your brother. May you continue to have a wonderful life in Heaven. I will one day see you soon and enjoy the house you live in. May God continue to bless all those who you loved and cared for. I love you and miss you so much. God bless you always!

Yesterday I had a bittersweet reunion with your mom and Kim as I know this time of year is hard for them; I hadn't seen Kim in over 20 years! We reminisced about you and looked at old photos of your smiling face. Just wanted you to know I think of you often and know you are watching over us. Love and miss you sweet Ashley.

Thinking of you, Ashley, as I always do but so often during this part of the year. God bless you and your family.

Ashley2

I still treasure your spirit, your smile, the way you included everyone in everything! Thinking of you and missing you as always.

Thinking of you during this time of year and thankful I had you in my life.

Yesterday I remembered. Today is what you'd wish for everyone. Another day. One other day. Thanks, Ash.

A2

Sorely missed.
Daddy

I miss you today, as always, Ashley. I always light a candle for you wherever I am. Last stop, Canterbury Cathedral. You would have laughed at the rain.

A2

I have just learned of your passing. You were my student the second year I taught. I have always remembered what a beautiful special young woman you were then,so that 25 years later, I go online to look you up.It is with much pain and sorrow that I find out this. Surely you are as stellar in Heaven as you were here on earth. My heart goes out to your family as well.

Thinking of you during this wonderful time of year. I miss you so much. You would be happy and proud that your hard work has and is still coming into fruition. I am getting ready to make another trip over so watch over me and the guys I am with. I love and miss you so much! Tell Granddaddy and Sara and all the other love ones I said hello and I miss them. God Bless!

I won't ever get over your passing, as I know your family won't and can't. I miss you every day. God bless and keep you. You were better than this Earth. A2

Happy Birthday Angel! I love you! God Bless!

Happy Birthday to You tomorrow Dearest Ashley
Love Uncle John, Aunt Cathy and Jack

I was a friend of Ashley's in Las Vegas and I didn't know that she had died. This is stunning news to me. Can somebody please contact me and let me know what happened?

Ash, Sorry we didn't stay in touch more. I miss you!

Five years ago, 12/30/05, was the saddest day of my life. I love you and miss you.
Daddy

Merry Christmas! I love you! Missing you always! God Bless!

Rod

I miss you ole' girl! I love you so much! God Bless!

I find myself missing you, Ash, today as I miss you every day.

God bless and keep you. I know He does.

Thinking of you today. I love and miss you dearly! Happy birthday and God Bless.

Forever Young,
Rod

Remembering you today on what would have been your 40th birthday. I think of you everyday.
I love you and miss you.
Daddy

Happy New Years Ashley!!!
Please keep an eye out for Roderick.
Love you and think of you often.
Uncle John, Aunt Cathy and Jack

Ashley
We are sure that Lil Rod is thinking of you today but maybe he can't say so.
We are writing this message for him to remind you of how much he loves you as we all do. Out thoughts and prayers are with you both and we take comfort knowing that you are watching over him through his perilous journey.
God blees and keep you.
Uncle John, Aunt Cathy and Jack

Ashley
Merry Christmas.
Heaven must be a wonderful place to be awaiting the celebration of our Saviour's birth.
You are forever in our hearts.
We love you always.
Uncle John, Aunt Cathy and Jack

Happy Birthday Ashley I love you and miss you very much but I am comforted knowing you are waiting for all of us in Heaven. See you in about a hundred years. :)

My family and I still miss Ashley. She was one of the closest friends my daughter, Stephanie, had. I have the fondest of memories of her, and, also, of her sister Kim, staying overnight at our home.

All three of them were closest friends, and I am still terribly saddened by our loss of her. She made all of our lives happier and brighter because of her constant smile and her positive disposition.

I truly still miss her.

Jim Abbott

Now that we can all laugh and a remember the life you led and not life that ended. This has been floating around our family and I thought it to be fitting to place it here for all to read and laugh. This is a quote that represents you and it has made us laugh and cry but mostly laugh and love. WELL DONE and GOD BLESS!

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather skidding in sideways, chocolate in one hand and wine in the other, body throughly used up, screaming "WOO-HOO!! What a ride!"
unknown

Dearest Ashley
We find ourseleves thinking of you today.
We hope you have been watching Jack's accomplishments over the years. We know that you would be proud of him. He has grown into a fine, loving and caring individual , just as you were.
We remember the times you shared with him at Cedar Point.
Wish we still had those days.
We love you .

I miss you every day, Ash. Time does not diminish your family and friends' loss of your presence. Nothing ever will.

I love you, you high maintenance creature!

A2

I Love You!!!!!!!!!! Thanks

I know I can never talk to you, again, in this life. You were so impossible in life that I think I know what you would say. My mommy is with you now and she's the sweetest girl I ever knew, except for you of course.... I think you'll both dis/agree on a number of things. *Warning* My mother is more impossible than you. Yes! It is possible!

Check it out and let me know however you like.

Happy almost birthday.

God, how I wish you both were here.

A2

I love you and will never forget you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rod Jr

Dearest Ashley,
As the anniversary of your death approaches, we find it very difficult to cope with the sadness and loss we deeply feel.
However, this season is a time for joy and we are reminded how loving and full of life you were.
We find comfort knowing that you have found the ultimate peace and happiness that only comes to those who have walked in His footsteps.
You are always with us.
Love Aunt Cathy, Uncle John and Jack

I was quite surprised to recently learn of Ashley's passing. We attended school together for several years and both graduated from James Island High School in 1988. In fact, we even lived on the same street when the Merritt's resided on Bruce Street in James Island. Ashley was an incredibly kind and sweet person. I'll never forget her just taking the time to sit down on the steps in front of her house on Bruce and talking with me now and then. Ashley had a unique way of making you feel special. I've read every entry in the log, and it is no surprise they are all testemonials to what a wonderful person she was. The class of 1988 is now planning it's 20th high school reunion. Ashley will be missed. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers. Skip Mulligan

What a timely condolence...

Rod Jr. was so right to say that you were unique. On the day after my own mother's funeral, I can only hope you are both happy in Heaven and that you are getting to gossip a little about all of us. The idea of you two putting your heads together scares me a little, but so be it!

Your brother never forgets you--I'm only lucky enough to have been part of your family for a short while but anyone who ever really knew you could never forget you.

I know I never could--or will.

God bless you all,

Ashley2

As we near the Holiday Season, I am simply reminded how grateful I am to have you as a sister and how you were always there for me. Actually, to say it better, you were always there for each of us. No matter how bad you were hurt by someone you always opened up your heart and your arms to welcome them right back into your life and help them in anyway possible. Some would say that is crazy to do and you are only get hurt again, I say I think you had it all along. It is the right thing to do and you did it more then enough. For that, I am very thankful to have learned it from you. I miss you so much and I know that I will see you again and until then "Thanks for the Memories!" I love you so much!

Happy Easter Ashley!
Blessed is the day the Lord has given. Let us rejoice in the Lord.
We have decorated our buffet with your little wooden bunny purse you had as a child. We have kept it all these years. Have beautiful hand painted porcelain eggs from the Charleston market inside with the green, yellow and pink straw. It reminds us of how innocent you were and keeps you close to us. It has become a "merritt" tradition in our home and we have done so for over 20 years now.
You are always in our thoughts.
Love Aunt Cathy, Uncle John and Jack

Happy Birthday Ashley!!!
We know you will have a wonderful St Patrick's Day celebration as you are with the "real" deal!!!

Happy Birthday Ashley! You are with me always and always. I love you and miss you!

I miss you on your birthday, as I miss you every day. All my love to you and all of your family and friends.

Ashley2

We think of you often and are happy that you have found peace.
Not a day goes by that you are not in our thoughts.
We remember how beautiful you were that summer on the bow of the boat.
We miss you.

I want you to know your on my mind. I miss you so much! Christmas will never be the same again. I love you and think about you all the time. Have a very Merry Christmas in Heaven. As I am sure it is much better there. I love you.

I miss you now more than ever, and on Thanksgiving, I'll remember eating not-that-bad (!) hospital turkey and dressing last year as you slept.

I remember every one of your family members who were there--and how much you were loved.

God bless you, dearest Ashley.

I LOVE YOU AND THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME. I MISS YOU SO MUCH! SEE YOU WHEN I GET TO HEAVEN. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU! THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!

Today would have been Ashley’s 36th birthday. Her birth and life were gifts to everyone who knew her. I’m thinking of her and her family today, as I do every day. God bless you, Ashley. I love you and miss you so.



Ashley 2

I am so sorry to hear of Ashley's passing. I haven't seen her in a number of years, but she (with that wonderful smile) is someone you never forget. Heaven has received one of it's finest angles, as others have said. I am truley thankful for the time I knew her.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Merritt family. I have many great childhood memories of growing up with Ashley and Kim. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and may you find comfort in knowing that Ashley is now in a better place. Love, Elizabeth

I want to send my deepest condolences to Ashley's entire family. I will always remember Ashley as a person who lived life to the fullest, treated everyone kindly, loved people and befriended everybody she met. She was a great friend to me and helped me in many great times of need, and I will always love and remember Ash for that. She will remain in my heart always as she will in the hearts of everyone who knew her.

I pray that God will be with your family during this time of Ashley's passing. I will never forget that smile of hers. She was always able to brighten the room indeed! It truly makes me sad to lose someone so young in life. I hope that God will give you peace and may we each pause to understand that our time is fleeting. Our bodies will grow tired and weary, but we must trust in Him and let His will be done.

Dear Ginny, Its been a long time. We were shocked and saddened to read of Ashleys death in the Post and Courier. How our thoughts go back to the good years on Middlewood Drive. I could still see the little girl in her in the published picture. I'm sure that she is in many of our photo albums from the mid 70's. You, Rod and the family will be in our prayers. We know the pain of losing a child and it is the hardest thing, we think, in life.

I hope that it will comfort you some, knowing that others know you were and still are a good Mother.Once a mother, always a mother.

God doesn't make mistakes in choosing our children for us. She was certainly nurtured into a beautiful young woman.

Time and talking will bring some degree of comfort. I have the time anytime you would like to talk.

My heart goes out to you.

Love and prayers,

Doris O'Brien

My family and I are members of John Wesley United Methodist Church. Mrs. Sara Merritt usually sits across from us in church. I was very sorry to hear of her granddaughter's illness, and we kept her in our prayers. Today at church, I saw the Rosebud on the alter in memory of Ashley, and we were saddened by the news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Sara Merritt and the family.

Wendy, Jack and Mandy Tripp

I had the privilege of staying with Ashley during her hospitalization and, afterward, at home until she passed away. Although she was seriously ill during the last three months of her life, she remained charming, mischievous, funny and warm and it will always be one of my greatest joys to have spent that time with her.



I would like to let all of you (who weren’t able to spend that time) know how very brave she was. She faced and fought her illness like…well, I would say she took it like a man, if that were not unfashionable these days. She was sometimes frightened, often in pain and always tired but she was strong and made her last months look far easier than they were.



She was also so thoughtful of others when she had every right to focus entirely on herself: she asked hospital staff how they were feeling; she noticed when people were tired; she remembered simple courtesy when the rest of us couldn’t think straight. She was a remarkable woman and her sensitivity and compassion often humbled me.



Enough—Ashley would have been rolling her eyes many sentences ago. She didn’t spend time complaining. She loved her family and friends, could and did find enjoyment in her circumstances, tough as they were. Because of her strength and spirit, there was much more smiling and laughing than sorrow. Ginny, Kim, Rod, Rod and Meg, Rusty, Sara and Virginia: you know how sorry I am for your loss. Ashley loved you all so much—I know because I saw and because she told me.



***

One night during her hospital stay, she talked about getting away from it all once she was well. She wanted to go to an island, maybe wear a grass skirt, spend some days in the sun. Since I despise sitting in the sun, I told her that she’d have to send me a postcard.



She smiled and said, “No—you’d go. Why not? Long hours, no pay, high maintenance. Why wouldn’t you want to be with me?”



Well, exactly. I wish I were with you right now, Ashley. I love you so and could never tell you how much I miss you. It would bore you if I tried since you already know very well how I feel. But I always talk too much, don’t I?



Obviously,

Ashley 2

I could write a book about all of the fun times I had with Ashley. As I read through these other notes, I realize how loved Ashley was and how many great friends she had. She was my best friend and I feel lucky to have had her in my life. She was such a loyal and true friend and I only hope that I was half as good to her as she was to me. We did so much together for so many years - family trips to Disney World and snow skiing, I feel like the Merritt's had another daughter to help raise. My regret is that we did not get to see each other as much as I would have liked since she moved me Vegas. She is such a wonderful and special person to me and I can never forget riding mopeds to each other houses, begging our moms to let us go to "midnight maddness", going on the senior cruise, driving around in the brown Pinto and we moved up when Ashley bought the red convertible....the stories could go on and on. Ashley, I love you and I have since I met you in 7th grade! I am sorry that I did not say it more. Like Scot O'Bryan said, God must have needed another angel in heaven - and he picked the best!

My deepest sypanthies for a true tragedy. My prayers go out to my old buddy Rod and the rest of Ashley's family. I know she will be missed by many.

I am so sorry for your loss. When we heard the news Lauren (cantley) Gibson and I pulled out old pictures and shared great memories of middle and high school with Ashley. One thing we can never forget is how close your family was and the special relationship between Ashley and Kim. I will continue to pray for your family and that your special bond will help you through this sad time. God Bless your family.



Lennie Woods(Duke)

James Island

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. Ashley worked for us for years at the T-Bird Lounge in Las Vegas. We are so saddened by her death. Ashley always lit up the room when she walked in, and will be missed by many.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. My God give you strength and peace during this time.

Dear Rod and Merritt family,



It is hard for me to fathom the pain and loss you are feeling at this time. May you find joy and comfort in the memories you have of your Ashley. I wish God's strength will carry you through the days and tough times ahead.



With much sympathy,

Meredith

My thoughts and prayers are with you through this sad time. I have great memories of Ashley. She touched so many lives and will be missed by everyone.

My heart goes out to the Merritt-Hamilton families at this time of great sadness. These past few days, I have been reflecting on Ashley's spirit and how she always lit up a room with her presence. I spent one of the best years of my life with her as we embarked on owning our own business. What a fun time we had at Wrangler's. She always lifted everyone up and saw the positive in everyone and everything. Just know that you all are in my thoughts and daily prayers and that God will give you the strength to carry on. He must have needed that vibrant personality in heaven. I will truly miss her.

Ginny



I was sorry to hear of your loss . In reading all the kind things that were said of your daughter I am sure she was very special and will be missesd by all . I know she is in a better place my prayers go out to you and yours..gruber

I would like to personally thank each and everyone of you who have already and who will sign this book. It has brought me great pleasure to know how much each of you care for Ashley. The letters have been so warm and they make these times easier to cope with knowing just how many people care. I would thank each of you on behalf of my mom, my sister, myself, and my extended family. It saddens me to no end that I cannot personally thank each of you and give you a hug in person however, I do want each of you to know that you all are in my prayers. May Gods richest and best be with you and each member of your family. Remember the times you had in the past and stick as close as you can to each other in the coming days and in the future. Let no day pass you by that you do not stop and tell them how much you love them and how much you care. Hold them until you cannot hold them anymore and then laugh with them until there is no tommarow. Thank you and may each of you have a blessed day in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! Proverbs 17:22 and 22:11

In Loving Kindness,

Rod, my condolences to you and your family at this grieving time.You and yours are in my prayers.

Dear Aunt Sara, Rod, Meg, and all of Ashley's family,



How saddened I was to hear that Ashley had lost her battle. She was such a delight and full of personality! In God's perfect bouquet in Heaven, He needs the full blown flower, the opening blooms and the small buds. That He chose Ashley is difficult to understand, but I trust His goodness and mercy. I hope each of you will find peace with His help. Cling to each other and know that I am keeping you all in my prayers.

With love,

Donna

Dear Aunt Sara, Rod and Meg,



I was lucky enough to meet Ashley at your 80th birthday party, Aunt Sara, and she was so beautiful and full of energy. After reading the many lovely entries in this guest book, I feel like I know her even better and know what a dear young lady she was and how she will be missed by you and so many. Tommy and I have you in our prayers and thoughts and hope the love of family and friends will help you through this sad time.

Much Love,

Janis

Dear Merritt Family,

Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. I had the good fortune to attend high school with Ashley. She had such a wonderful vibrance-always smiling and such a caring personality. She will be greatly missed.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Merritt family. Ashley was the type of person that would light up any room that she would walked into. Although she is not here in body and spirit, she still lives in each and everyone's heart that was lucky enough to know and love her. Ginny, Kim, and Rod my thoughts and prayers are with you always.

An old poem says "memory is one gift of God that death cannot destroy." I am grateful for good memories of Ashley as a lovely little girl to whom I had the privilege of being pastor,and I pray God's sustaining presence with each member of the family as you deal with your grief. And may the good memories of Ashley help sustain you in your sorrow.

Dear Merritt Family: My entire family was saddened to hear about Ashley's death. Kim was in my class at James Island High, but Ashley was never far behind. Ashley was always so kind and a joy to be around, walking with a smile. We hope that peace will come to the entire family in time. Take Care of yourselves.



Sharon (Taylor) Knowles

James Island High

Class of 1987

Rod, Meg, and Sara,

Our hearts are with you during this sad time. We will have you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, and know that the love from your many friends and family will help see you through this.

My deepest sympathies to the entire Merritt family. Although I haven't seen Ashley in years, I have thought about her many times as I passed the home where she used to live on Bruce Street. I have many happy childhood memories with Ashley and Kimberly both. My prayers are with you all, God must have needed another Angel.

I was so sad to hear about Ashley's passing. I moved from Virginia and Ashley was the first person that I met my Sophomore year at James Island High School. She was so sweet and was always smiling. I have so many fond memories of Ashley. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

I was so sad to hear about Ashley's passing. I moved from Virginia and Ashley was the first person that I met my Sophomore year at James Island High School. She was so sweet and was always smiling. I have so many fond memories of Ashley. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Missy Smith Atwater

My heart aches for the loss of such a wonderful and vibrant person. May peace be with the Merritt family during this time of loss. Ashley is looking down from heaven with her beautiful smile. God Bless.

My heart goes out to the entire Merritt family on the passing of Ashley. I have many fond memories growing up with Kim, Ashley and Rod. If you were friends with one-you were friends with all three. Ashley was a beautiful person inside and out. May you find peace and strength in God's unfailing love. I will lift the family up in my prayers. Love, Allison Brownlee

Ashley, Kimberly, Rod and Mr. and Mrs. Merritt are all so dear to me. Some of my best memories of growing up in Charleston on James Island include spending nights and days with such a loving, unique family. I will miss Ashley's radiant smile and kind heart. May love and peace be with the Merritt's, their family and their friends during these transient days and always...

Rod,

It is impossible for Patsy and myself to know the pain you must be feeling now. Our prayers and deep sympathy go out to you and your family. Since we feel you are a part of our family, we grieve with you. May God comfort you at this time.

I had the privilege of getting to know Ashley while she was in the hospital. She showed strength and spirit everyday and you could see the love her friends and family have for her. It was a pleasure getting to know all of you and I am very sorry for your loss.

Dearest Merritt Family,

Though I havn't seen Ashley in years, the news of her passing comes with great sorrow and deepest sympathy. She was a beutiful person inside and out. I will miss her greatly. Heaven must have needed another angel. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dearest Ashley,
I Love You So Very Much. It is and will always be an honor having you as my Sister. For so many years, you believed in me when I did not. From being as close to the wrestling mat as you could yelling "you can do it" to leaving me hundreds of messages when I was in jump school, you were there for me and gave me the inspiration to do well and finish what was started. You were the peacemaker that held the key to keeping everyone together. You loved like no other person ever did. You cared even when others did not. You listened when others would have spoken. You held when others would have given a simple hug. When someone needed a dollar you gave two. You are now in the Hands of the Most High God, Jesus Christ and you will never have to feel pain again. Never again will you hurt, nor mourn, but have everlasting Joy. You have received your reward as a Christian by loving everyone and by Loving God. You have entered into Heaven, something we all hope to do. The world is a sadder, more quiet, and even lonelier place without you. I can only imagine how even Heaven is a better place with you being there. God Bless you always and always. I will see you soon. Tell Granddaddy and Sara I said hi and tell God I need his help to get through this. I will always love you and I MISS YOU VERY MUCH!

Love,r>
Rod

To the family of Ashley Merritt,



They say there is nothing more painful than the loss of one's child. We can only imagine the grief you are feeling. We hope time will heel some of your wounds, especially in the knowledge that Ashley is in a better place and at peace.



Our love and deepest condolences to all of her family members.

So sorry to hear about Ashleys death. My prayers and thoughts are with you and family. BillAllen

Our sincere sympathy and prayers. Although we didn't know Ashley, the posted condolences reflect well how she touched the lives of so many people.

My deepest sympathy to the family and especially to Sara Turner Merritt. God bless you all.

Ashley,



We'll miss you always.



Our love forever.



Daddy & Meg

My deepest sympathies to the Merritt Family.



Being a close friend of my parents, she often felt like a sister to me. She was involved in many aspects of my life until I moved away from Las Vegas. I will always remember her smile and great personality.