Ashley Nichole Kendall

Ashley Nichole Kendall, age 40, of South Bend, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Ashley was born on June 29, 1985, in South Bend, Indiana, to Timothy D. Kendall and Shannon Minder. She attended LaSalle High School and later Ivy Tech Community College, where she had been working toward her degree in nursing.

Ashley was well known throughout the Michiana area as a waitress at American Pancake House in Roseland. She wasn’t just known for her service, but for her bright smile, vibrant personality, and the way she made everyone feel welcome and valued. Many customers became friends, and it was easy to see why she was loved so deeply by so many.

Ashley was an important part of Dat Canna in Edwardsburg, Michigan from the very beginning. She served as Director of Vendor Services and worked as a vendor representative, frequently attending conferences and trade shows. She poured her energy, passion, and personality into helping grow the business and connect with others.

Ashley had a fun, outgoing spirit and a way of forming meaningful connections wherever she went. She enjoyed reading, cooking, and baking, and took great pride in preparing home-cooked meals for her family. She loved animals, especially feeding the deer in her yard—and adored her beloved dog, Ace, who held a very special place in her heart.

Above all, Ashley was a devoted and loving mother to her daughters, Cambria Medina and Karis Medina. Her girls were her world, and she shared a close, beautiful bond with them. With her playful sense of humor, she often reminded her family that she was “the boss”—a phrase that perfectly captured her strong, loving presence and the way she held everything together. She was their biggest supporter, their protector, and their constant source of love. She also shared a deep and unbreakable love with her fiancé, Anthony Osowski—the love of her life. Together, they built a life full of memories, laughter, and unwavering devotion.

Ashley loved to travel and enjoy life. She especially cherished weekend trips to Greektown in Detroit and treasured her time in Key West, Florida—her favorite destination—where she and Anthony traveled together multiple times, making lasting memories in the sunshine. She also loved visiting new restaurants wherever they went, always enjoying the experience of trying new places together. She enjoyed getting dressed up, making sure everything was just right, and capturing life’s moments through photos and selfies along the way.

Ashley will be remembered as someone who took care of her family and her home, someone who loved deeply, lived fully, and left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her life was full of memories, even in such a short time, and was taken far too soon.

Ashley is survived by her daughters, Cambria Medina and Karis Medina; her fiancé, Anthony Osowski; her father, Tim (Brandi) Kendall; her mother, Shannon Minder (Jeremy); her stepson, Sebastian Osowski; and her siblings, Joshua Kendall, Desirae Kendall, Kyler Plew, Braeden Lutes, Nicole Kendall, Kyle Kendall, and Kaleb Kendall. She is also survived by her grandmothers, Judy Morrow and Colleen Minder, along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved “Papa,” John Minder.

Visitation will be held from 4:00–6:30 pm on Monday, March 23, 2026, at First Pentecostal Church of Edwardsburg, 27262 US-12, Edwardsburg, MI 49120, with a service to follow from 6:30–7:30 pm. Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Osceola has been entrusted with her care.

In her memory, donations may be made to her family through their fundraising page at www.spotfund.com. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Ashley’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please visit the Guestbook tab.

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