Ashlea Albertson

Ashlea Reneé Albertson was an adored daughter, sister, fiance, family member, friend, co-worker, racer and role model. She had a pretty amazing laugh, spoke her mind as she saw fit, and gave the best hugs. We will miss her forever.
Ashlea was born on September 26, 1998 and left her earthly body on August 18, 2023 at the young age of 24 due to injuries sustained in a car accident on the highway.
She graduated from Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2017. During her school years, she participated in soccer, basketball, softball, and Sparkle cheer. Ashlea went on to college at Ivy Tech and worked for Blackhawk Industrial before happily settling into an Apprentice role with Nelson Insulation of the Local 18 Heat and Frost Insulators Union.
Ashlea has been a competitive race car driver since 2011 where she began driving quarter midgets at the Kokomo Quarter Midget Club and occasionally at Mini Indy. In 2014, she switched to the Kenyon Midget Series driving a Kenyon midget, and eventually landing in the All-Star Circuit of Champions TQ Midget series in 2017. Ashlea logged several feature wins and many podium finishes while driving a car sponsored by Tony Stewart Racing. She was in fourth place in points this season, and still striving to achieve her goal of a series win. Ashlea could often be found visiting the grandstands to meet with fans, provide hero cards, and pose for pictures. She often worked on her own race car with other mechanics and strategized about future races. Ashlea was known to be a consistent and competitive driver. The race track was clearly her favorite place to be.
Ashlea was a very hard worker and looked forward to advancing in her union. Many of her photos showed her making a silly face or flashing that brilliant smile that people noticed. Ashlea made sure to pester her sisters and steal their clothes or challenge one to a wrestling match. After working out at Hancock Fitness, a trip to a mexican restaurant often followed. Her children, Remi, a german shepherd, and Maze, a great dane, were treated like royalty. Ashlea was to be married in March of next year to her loving fiance, Jake. The wedding dress was purchased and their children's names had been chosen. The impact Ashlea made on those she came in contact with was strong and deep.
Ashlea is survived by fiance Jake Kelly; her mother, Tiffany and Ben Collins, step siblings Kacey and Lizzy; father Todd and Shelly Albertson; sister Kaylea and Ethan Collins, nephew Jackson; sisters Emilea and Tara Albertson. Her grandparents are Coni and Dan Lee, Dennis and Pam Lambert, Bobby and Sandy Vibbert, Veda Sloan, Edna Mills, Joe and Roberta Albertson, and Randy and Rhonda Wallace. Also, a large extended family consisting of future in-laws, aunts, uncles and cousins survive.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 27th beginning at 2:00 p.m. at New Palestine United Methodist Church, 3565 S. 500 W., New Palestine, IN 46163. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 6:00 p.m. with a meal afterward for all. We believe Ashlea would prefer a casual atmosphere with racing shirts and cheery clothing.
Donations can be made to the Tony Stewart Foundation in Ashlea's name. Donations can be made online at: https://tonystewartfoundation.networkforgood.com/projects/105585-lapleader
or by mail to 438 Southpoint Circle, Brownsburg, IN 46112. Envelopes will be available at the church. Friends may share a memory of Ashlea or send a condolence message online at www.erleweinmortuary.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory in Greenfield.
Florists may deliver to the church on Saturday or Sunday by coming in the main doors.