Ashley Elizabeth "Brown" Powell

Ashley Elizabeth (Brown) Powell, a resident of St. Charles, MO, passed away peacefully at Evelyn's House in St. Louis, MO on February 4th, 2026 at the age of 40.

Ashley was born on August 13th, 1985 in Terre Haute, IN to Roger and Cheryl (Wattleworth) Brown of Casey, IL. She grew up on the family farm and became a big sister in 1989 to Alyssa LeeAnn. Ashley attended Casey-Westfield Schools, graduating as class valedictorian in 2003. She was active in Drama Club, participating in many high school productions. She played alto saxophone in the band and sang alto and soprano in Choir and Show Choir. Ashley attended Hazel Dell Church of God with her family and often blessed the church with her beautiful voice. She was an avid reader and an accomplished pianist. She worked at Pizza Hut during high school and enjoyed spending time with close friends and family.

Ashley attended Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Religion. During her time at Illinois College, she was active in the campus ministry, choir, and she worked at the library. Upon graduation in 2007, she continued her studies in Springfield, IL to earn her Medical Technologist Certification.

Ashley met Andrew William Powell at Illinois College, and they began dating during their sophomore year of college. On their senior spring break road trip to the Grand Canyon, Andrew proposed to Ashley, and she said "Yes!" They were married on June 21st, 2008, at Casey First Baptist Church and moved to Highland, IN to begin their married life, where Ashley worked as a Medical Technologist at Alverno Laboratories.

Andrew's career moved them to Terre Haute, IN while Ashley got a position at Union Hospital and then UAP Clinic. On December 28th, 2012, they started their family when Ashley gave birth to their son, Ethan William. He is a joy to his family, and his mother's personality is often displayed in him. Ethan excels at school, loves to read, play football, workout at CrossFit, play video games, and learn about cars.

Andrew's career moved them to Jackson, Tennessee and Ashley was able to scale back working to stay at home more with Ethan. While she was still working part time, she was able to spend most of her time caring for Ethan, participating in her women's Bible study and experimental baking. On May 26th, 2017, their family grew when Ashley gave birth to Sadie Isabel. She is a kind and sweet girl who is a delight to her family. Sadie enjoys reading, art projects and drawing, playing tennis, singing, and playing with friends.

In December 2017, the Powell family moved to St. Charles, Missouri where they connected with old friends and made many new friends in their neighborhood, community, and church. The family joined First St. Charles Methodist Church and Ashley took a position as an early childhood development educator at First Kids. She primarily worked in the one and two-year-old classroom. This allowed her to bring Sadie with her to preschool while Ethan attended elementary school. Ashley sang in her church choir and helped teach Sunday School at First St. Charles as well. She continued to bake wonderful treats to share.

In June 2021, Ashley was diagnosed with breast cancer. She handled each treatment she faced with quiet strength and dignity. She often said that she didn't know why this was happening to her, but she hoped her experience would help others in the future.

Ashley is survived by her loving husband, Andrew; son, Ethan; daughter, Sadie, and beloved lap dog, Ollie; parents, Roger and Cheryl (Wattleworth) Brown of Casey, IL; sister, Alyssa Brown of Indianapolis, IN and special friend, Ian Leonard; aunt, Darlene Brown of Winthrop, MA; aunt, Carol (Michael) Collins of Chicago, IL; cousins, John Collins of Casey, IL and James Collins of Chicago, IL; step-grandmother, Maggie Wattleworth; in-laws, Richard and Rebecca Powell; sister-in-law, Kristen (Chris) Moore; as well as numerous extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Everett and Deede Brown, Keith and Janine Wattleworth, and step-grandmother, Beverly (Dippold) Brown.

Ashley will be remembered for her strong faith in Jesus Christ, her intelligence, calm nature, quick wit and beautiful smile-but most importantly, for her legacy of love and kindness which is often seen in her children.

Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Casey First Baptist Church, Casey, IL. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at Casey First Baptist Church, 101 E. Alabama Ave., Casey, IL. Ashley will be laid to rest near family at Hazel Dell Church of God Cemetery, Hazel Dell, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to the family (Powell Children Education Fund), c/o Markwell Funeral Home, PO Box 175, Casey, IL 62420 or to Advance Breast Cancer Research at Siteman Cancer Center and WashU Medicine, MSC 1082-414-2555, 7425 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105. Please indicate that the gift is in memory of Ashley Powell by writing the following memo on your check - IMO Ashley Powell (GF0010843 Breast Cancer Research - Dr. Bose). You can also give online at giving.washu.edu/AshleyPowell.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle, or post photos, visit www.markwellfuenralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home, Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.