Ashley Robert Ames class of 1993, age 47, of Haslett, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. (Recalling his sense of humor, he would also like you to know he was born in 1975 on April Fool’s Day.) He was a graduate of Okemos High School, class of 1993, and subsequently began to follow-up on his interests in writing music, playing music, and experimenting with technology. He saved his money and bought one of the first Gateway 2000 computers available to the public.
His childhood was well-spent with friends playing with Lego’s, all kinds of card and board games, and wonderful summers with family and friends at Gun Lake. Ashle
y and his sister, Amy, spend many hours of fun swimming in the pool and the lake as often as they could. Early on he became a self-taught computer geek, later using his electronic talents to acquire a series of professional opportunities.
When Colorado called to him, he moved to Boulder, and his love of nature, photography, hiking, and camping elevated his artistic life for several years until he returned to the Lansing area in 2020 to become employed by the State of Michigan as a Technology Analyst.
Preceded in death by his father, Paul Gene Ames, and his beloved grandmother, Dorothy Snyder Reames, he is survived by his partner, Jamie Michelle Southwood; his daughter, Adalynn Ames; his mother and step-father, Barbara and Bruce (class of 1963) Champion; his sister, Amy (class of 1988) Ames McLeod (Craig); his step-sister, Cara (class of 1991) Champion Gruber (Rick); his step-brother, JB (class of 1995) Champion; plus three nieces and two nephews, Keely, Teegan, Ellianna, Hans, and Greta; and his two very special cousins, Sherry and Steve Jaqua.
The family would like to thank the Sparrow Hospital doctors and nurses on the 3rd floor CV-ICU for their compassionate and tender care.
There will be no service. Anyone choosing to make a donation should give to Craig Hospital, Englewood, CO, to assist people recovering from Traumatic Brain Injuries.
Thanks to Bruce Champion '63 for notifying Okemos Alumni through our Facebook group.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.