Obituary of Ashton L. Shoemaker

Ashton Lee Shoemaker, age 24, of Larkspur, CO, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024. She was born on November 2, 1999 in Denver Colorado, the daughter of Jennifer (Minard) and Mark Shoemaker.

Survivors include her parents; brother, Kalen Shoemaker; fiancé, PJ Ausmus; paternal grandmother, Valerie Shoemaker; maternal grandparents, Gary and Patricia Minard; aunts, Myndi Minard and Mary Shoemaker; great grandfather, Don Shoemaker; her prized fur babies, Yeti and Covey; niece, Charlotte Ausmus and the entire Ausmus Family. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Dennis Shoemaker.

Ashton has always been a true Colorado girl at heart. She was blessed to live in Arizona and Ohio while growing up, and still has lifelong friends from both, but was always happiest in Colorado. Ashton was born with the same beautiful blonde hair and smile that truly emulated everything she was. She was the best big sister who was protective and proud of her little brother Kalen every day. She was a daughter that filled the house with pure joy and embodied everything a parent would ever dream of. She was the pride and joy of her grandparents and aunts, and a fiercely loyal friend. Ashton was the most thoughtful person you would ever have the pleasure of knowing.

Ashton moved back to Parker Colorado in the 8th grade where she enjoyed her teenage years. She graduated with honors and many awards from Legend High School but enjoyed the simple, normal parts about school the most. She loved the Friday night football games, the school dances, and the friends that she made along the way. Ashton and PJ met while in the 8th grade and theirs is truly THE love story of all love stories. It is the Greatest Love Story this world has ever seen. After high school she made the choice to chase the Big Sky and graduated with honors from Montana State University in just 3 1/2 years. During her time in college, Ashton really came into herself. She found a home and lifelong friends in the Chi Omega sorority and this is where she truly found her voice through her studies and college life. If possible, she grew into an even more caring and thoughtful adult during her time in Montana. She never missed a college baseball game as she cheered on her favorite Yellowjacket and proudly wore that number 3 jersey.

After college, Ashton and PJ couldn’t wait to return to Colorado to start their life together. Ashton quickly got a job working in the Asset Management Department at Charles Schwab and she and PJ started building their life together at the Stone House Ranch, with their best friends living 50 steps from door to door. They proudly called it the “compound.” In October of 2022, Ashton and PJ got engaged, and it was truly one of her happiest days. Both families were finally going to be merged into one, and for Ashton, that was a dream come true. Over the last 16 months Ashton took on the role of “bride to be,” “wedding planner” and “professional organizer,” excelling at them all. If there was a task to be completed it always started with a neatly written list. Ashton and PJ were to be married on 02.24.24, and for them this was more than a date or a wedding, it was the formal acknowledgement of their once in a lifetime love story.

 

Ashton was simple and complex in every way. She lived for the inside joke. Ashton spent every day with the unwavering desire to make others feel special. Without any doubt, or a moment of hesitation, she was the person so many would rely upon for unique guidance, steadfast support, unrelenting laughs, and friendship like you had never felt before. She never sought the limelight, but rather she sought the moments of helping shine the limelight on others. Ashton embodied what it meant to truly be selfless. Everyone was welcome around her table.

 

Ashton was a daughter, sister, best-friend, fiancé, granddaughter, niece, soon to officially be a daughter-in-law, and sister-in-law, and she will forever be Aunt Ashy. She was a proud American, and a damn proud dog mom. Ashton loved any adventure, challenge, or path she
could wander. She worked hard each day, and played even harder when the time was right. Above all else, Ashton was the most loving, caring, and kind tiny little blonde girl in the world. Her laugh was infectious, her smile was inviting and comforting. Ashton simply lit up every room she walked into. Her love was fierce, it knew no bounds, and it was unconditional in every way.

There are simply no words to describe the loss that has been forced upon the family by this unimaginable tragedy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 10:00am at Crossroads Community Church in Parker, Colorado. 

In lieu of flowers, a foundation has been set up in her honor. Donations may be made to the Ashton Shoemaker Foundation at Alpine Bank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ashton Shoemaker, please visit Tribute Store