Ashton Ray Clevenger

Ashton Ray Clevenger, born on February 1, 2008, passed away on May 26, 2025 in his hometown of Ardmore, Oklahoma at the age of 17.
Ashton was a remarkable young man whose curiosity, intelligence, and kind spirit left an unforgettable impression on everyone who knew him. He was deeply inquisitive, always eager to learn, even if he sometimes found it hard to express all he knew. He was a conscientious and helpful boy who always considered everyone else first. Ashton had a spark in him that made the world feel lighter.
He found joy in riding go-karts, baking cakes, cooking dinner with his family, playing video games, fishing, exploring, visiting zoos and museums, and learning how things work. But it was the little things in life he appreciated most– like making others laugh, greeting his dad with a "hello there"-- "General Kenobi," and reading psychology textbooks with his mom. He loved to play chess and quickly became the reigning champion of his family. Ashton would want everyone to know that he even beat his rarely-rivaled uncle James once, which was an accomplishment he was proud of. Ashton was growing into an amazing young man, filled with promise and compassion. He was reading college-level textbooks and found himself seeking more of an intellectual challenge. His intelligence and creativity were inspiring. He envisioned designing rocket thrusters to be more economically efficient. His time with us was far too short, but the impact he made will stay with us forever.
Ashton will be deeply missed by his parents: Seth Ray and Kalli Ann Clevenger; his brother Oliver William Rhoades; his grandparents Shirley Yvonne Coop Clevenger, Arlene Brownfield, James Edward and Linda Kay Cavitt; his uncles James William Cavitt, Danny Michael Cavitt, and Christopher Adam Vick; his aunt Amanda Yvonne Clevenger Vick; his cousin Kenzie Vick; and a host of great cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Ashton found eternal peace alongside his "Papa" Clifford Ray Clevenger (1999); "Little Grandma" Lorilla Yvonne Coop (2016), great-aunts Kimberly Diane (2024), & Barbie Lajune Cavitt (2019), great-uncle Walter Lynn Lytle (2024), and 2nd cousin Danielle Nicole Woods (2010).
Services will be held at Griffin-Hillcrest Funeral Home in Ardmore, at 4:00 pm on Thursday, June 5th. There will be a notepad for those who want to join his parents in writing messages of love and acceptance to give to Ashton.
Ashton's parents want others to know that if you're struggling with feelings of not being enough, or feeling emotionally overwhelmed and are unsure how to find resolve, it's important to reach out and talk to someone. If you do not have someone in your life that you trust to be vulnerable with, please ask for a therapist or call 988. You are not alone in what you feel, even if it seems that way at the time. Asking for help getting through hard feelings is the first step, and while it can be intimidating at first, it gets easier over time with practice. Strength is not gained by holding in pain to protect others. Strength is gained by having the courage to communicate the hard things that make us feel vulnerable. Always remember: you are beautiful, you are worthy. and you are enough. Don't give up.
Ashton's parents encourage all parents to take a moment to hug their children a little tighter tonight-remind them how deeply they are loved, valued, accepted, and how much they undoubtedly mean to you.
Ashton, you are truly one of a kind. We miss you more than words can say.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ashton Clevenger, please visit Tribute Store