Ashley Evelyn (Bishop) Simmons

Ashley Simmons, a lifelong homemaker, devoted mother, collector enthusiast, and generous supporter of her family, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, at the age of 90.

Ashley lived a life centered around home and family. She had a lifelong love of collecting, finding beauty and meaning in the things that caught her eye along the way. She and her beloved husband, John Simmons, traveled extensively together, creating memories and experiences that stayed with her throughout her life. She was also someone her family could turn to—a supportive, occasional benefactor who found ways to help when her children or grandchildren were in need.

Ashley was preceded in death by her husband, John Simmons; her parents, Fern and Samuel Bishop; her brother, Duane Bishop; her sister Joan Bishop, her sister, Fran Kendrick; her daughter, Virginia Henderson; and her grandson, Bryon Ross.

She is survived by her sister, Amanda Royle; her children, Wayne Van Dyke, Patsy Ross, Anthony Van Dyke, and Tammy Willey; and numerous grandchildren and extended family members who will carry her memory forward.

The final chapter of Ashley's life was long and arduous, and it was during those difficult days that the true meaning of family and unconditional love became especially evident.

Her youngest daughter, Tammy, and her son-in-law, Steve Sanchez, were there beside her through the hardest days. They showed up. They held things together. They navigated the difficult moments, the uncertainty, and the messiness that can come with the end of life. Their strength, devotion, and willingness to simply keep showing up were a profound testament to unconditional love.

There is a particular strength found in the women of a family who step forward when things become difficult—who put aside exhaustion, fear, and their own burdens to care for the people they love. Ashley's family was blessed by that strength, and by the steadfast support of Steve, who stood beside Tammy and Ashley when they needed him most.

In the end, perhaps love is not about having the right words or being able to make everything better. Sometimes love is simply being there.

To the End

When the road became difficult,
and the days grew long,
there were those who stayed.

Not because it was easy,
not because they had all the answers,
but because love asked them to.

They held a hand.
They carried a burden.
They showed up again and again,
even when it was messy,
even when they were tired,
even when there was nothing left to fix.

And perhaps that is what love is—
not the promise of an easy ending,
but the promise:

I will be here.
I will not leave you alone.
I will stay until the end.

Ashley leaves behind a family, a lifetime of memories, and the many small and lasting ways in which she touched the lives of those around her. May she rest peacefully, reunited with those she loved and lost before her.

Ashley's arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com

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