Ksenia Ashley
Ksenia Ashley , Age 34
Ksenia Ashley, 34, passed away Sunday, February 19, 2023, in Pflugerville, Texas. She was born July 25, 1988, in Mendota, Illinois. Ksenia graduated from high school in 2006 and later from Northern Illinois University. She married Jacob Lawson on April 27, 2020. Her life cannot be summed up in the space of this writing, but we will try our best to honor her life and legacy. Above all else, Ksenia had a lifelong immense love of animals, instilled in her by the endless hours she spent with her Minga and grandpa when she was little. In her words, "Big or small, be kind to all." If you knew Ksenia at all, you know she was full of life and you never needed to question what she was thinking. You knew you were going to hear her opinion whether or not you wanted to. She had the wittiest and cutest sense of humor and was always able to make others laugh. She was vivacious, loved to travel and hike in the desert and mountains. In these travels, Ksenia developed a love of the history of old, abandoned buildings.
We think the best way to share Ksenia's heart is through her own words. The following is her bio that she wrote for her employer's website.
"From the time Ksenia was a child, her grandfather helped instill a love and passion for taking care of all kinds of animals - from spiders in the garden to bunnies found stranded in the fields he was farming. Even though she double-majored in psychology and philosophy, she always knew that nurturing animals is what made her feel most fulfilled. Previous experience at a non-profit agency working towards a no-kill shelter initiative further instilled her belief that this is what she was meant to do in life."
Ksenia started as a technician assistant and was soon promoted to vet tech and surgery tech. She is the proud mama of Juna, her heeler mix, 2 cats, and 3 leopard geckos. She has been a vegetarian since the age of 19 and is a die-hard Packers fan. She enjoys reading, crime documentaries, concerts, good coffee (even bad coffee is okay), and going to the beach."
Though we no longer have the joy of seeing her smile, hearing her laugh, or hugging her, she has left an impact on more people than we will ever know. This fact is evidenced by strangers to us that have reached out in this difficult time to share their love of Ksenia and what she meant in their lives. Ksenia was truly a beautiful, beautiful soul and endured more in her short life than anyone should have to endure. She did it with feistiness and a determination that was fierce.
Ksenia always said she wanted to leave the world a brighter place than she found it. We can say, beyond a doubt, she most definitely did. She is the brightest of lights that even death cannot extinguish. Although she claimed she preferred animals over people, her final unselfish gift was to be an organ and tissue donor.
Ksenia is survived by her fur baby, Juna, and her two cats (Sugar and Twix); her husband, Jacob; her mom and dad, Tawnya and Bill Blue; her sisters, Kaleigh (Anthony), Whitni (Jon), and Callie; her special Minga (Carol); uncles Cordell, Ladd (Jackie), and Taff (Heather); as well as many cousins; her nephew (Asher) and niece (Zoey), and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandpa (George).
As we know it would have been Ksenia's wish, we ask that memorials may be directed to the family so they may be evenly shared with the two animal clinics where Ksenia fulfilled her passion for animals in Texas. Cards and memorials may be directed to Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home; c/o Ksenia Albert; 401 Madison Avenue, Baraboo, WI 53913.
Lastly, know that there is help available if you or someone you know is considering harming herself/himself. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 988.
Condolences
Alison Colton-Rhoads February 22, 2023
Friend/coworker Austin , Texas
Love you and miss you.
Korrin Benson February 22, 2023
Friend Houston , Texas
I’m so so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers and my heart is with you at this time. Sending my love and peace.
Levi S Ringer February 22, 2023
Friend-Family Canton , Texas
Jacob and family, you have my deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Wishing you the best and know you have my full support in every moment.
Jacque (Damery) Floyd February 22, 2023
Friend from high school Woodstock , Georgia
I have so many amazing memories growing up with Ksenia. She was an amazing person and I know she will be greatly missed. So sorry to hear of her passing, and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends who are suffering her loss.
Kristen Castillo February 22, 2023
Friend and coworker Austin , Texas
My condolences to her family and loved ones. I hadn’t know her very long, but we clicked right away. She was an incredible woman and her laugh was infectious. I’ll be giving every puppy an extra snug and kiss for you Kess, you are so so missed.
Arbuckle February 23, 2023
Friend Hahira , Georgia
We are sorry to hear of your loss. We will be praying for you.
Caitlin Chapin February 23, 2023
Friend and coworker from PAZ veterinary clinic Austin , Texas
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family on the loss of beautiful sweet Ksenia. She was always a role model I looked up to on how she treated and cared for animals. A world without her in it has definitely made it dimmer. The last time I saw her was Friday feb 17th before my trip and I gave her a hug telling her I would tell her about how my trip went (going to see a guy I barely knew). She was very concerned about me making sure someone had my location to make sure I was safe. I wish I would’ve hugged her longer. She will definitely never be forgotten and her friendship will definitely have a special place in my heart â¤ï¸ I will always miss seeing your infectious smile and hearing your laugh. Miss you so much it’s so hard to write this I’m tearing up. I hope you are in a better place without any pain my love. Rest In Peace sweet angel. Love Caitlin
Pauline Konitzer February 23, 2023
Friend Mazomanie , Wisconsin
Dear long time friends, I have no appropriate words to give that will ease your pain and emptiness. I am all deeply sorry for the loss of your Daughter, granddaughter, wife, sister, cousin, niece. I have met Ksenia too little, unfortunately, but she immediately warmed my heart with her smile and wit. She reminded me so much of her loving mother. I can only pray that you all be comforted by Gods love and grace. That He welcomes Ksenia home as she is reunited with George. I pray this is His will.. Rest easy, dear Ksenia. Be at peace now.
Randy and Neva Ikeler February 23, 2023
Family Paw Paw , Illinois
We are so sorry for your loss, our prayers go out to you and your family.
Nicole Ulm (Larabee) February 23, 2023
Cousin Glendale , Arizona
My love and prayers are with all of you. â¤ï¸
Pam Mittelsteadt February 23, 2023
Co-worker Baraboo , Wisconsin
So very sorry for your loss. Praying God's presence and the wonderful memories you have will help heal your sadness.
Holli Ikeler Petersen February 23, 2023
cousin Waterman , Illinois
My heart goes out to all of you~
Mike York February 24, 2023
Friend Cleveland , Tennessee
My heart goes out to Jake and family. My wife and I loved the time that we were able to spend with her. Every time we were together, it was full of laughter. We will always cherish those memories.
Alex Martinez February 27, 2023
Friend Chattanooga , Tennessee
Condolences to Jacob and Family. We are here for you in this moment of sorrow. The love for her will perdure. Her memory will keep her alive in the hearts of those who loved her.
Alexandra February 27, 2023
Coworker and friend Bastrop , Texas
I hope you’re in the best of places, with no pain, enjoying eternity. You are incredibly loved and missed Kess. You were the soul of PAZ <3
Amanda Stone April 16, 2023
Past coworker San Angelo , Texas
I am so so very sorry to hear about Ksenia's passing. I just found out and I am in shock. She was such a wonderful coworker at Concho Valley PAWS and dedicated to care for the needs of all the animals. She had immense love for the animals and people. I enjoyed working with her and enjoyed her fun loving personality. She was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. Prayers for your family during this time.