Ashley Dawn Sallie

1989 - 2021

Ashley Dawn Sallie

January 15, 1989 - January 2, 2021

Our brave beauty, Ashley Dawn, crossed over into her Savior's embrace. I am sure her sister was there to hug her & make sure Ashley wasn't getting all the attention. Ashley was my 1st magnificent gift on loan from God. Forever 31.

It is a monumental feat to write your child's obituary. Yet to write your child's obituary that after 10 yrs. succumbed to the beast of addiction, practically impossible. But, to write a second obituary for yet another child, that fought addiction for 14 yrs, an indescribable catastrophe.

My grieving mother's plea is for you to reserve judgment for just a moment & see my daughter as those that love her do. You see, the stigma of addiction is so incredibly hard on those with addictions, as well as those that love them. I ask for you to try to see past her addiction she so relentlessly tried to conquer. See who she used to be before drugs, who she was when she was not using & who she was at her core.

See her 11 yr. old son, Keegan, who knew he was her favorite person, she was the only one he liked to cuddle with for long periods, she could make him laugh many times when no one else could, she listened carefully to him when he needed an ear & he loved her fiercely & unconditionally.

See her 11 yr. old niece, who delighted in Ashley bringing her make up, purses and collectibles for her room, who hung on every word when she would tell Lyla about fond memories or recite funny stories about Lyla's mommy who is in heaven.

See her grandparents, who still see their sweet granddaughter as a toddler always giving hugs & kisses, how she couldn't stay out of the dirt in the houseplants, who were so proud of all her newfound skills in remodeling homes that she had acquired.

See her friends who tell me about her unforgettable, vibrant smile, how quick witted she was, how much fun she brought to their lives, that she was there for them whenever they needed her, that she gave the best pep talks when they were down.

See her mother, who will tell you Ashley didn't know a stranger, everyone was important. She was intelligent, creative & passionate about anything she set her mind to, there was something magical in the way she laughed...how she threw her head back & let joy move right through her, she had a gift of eloquently speaking about her struggles that made others connect to her, as well as those who were suffering with addiction to feel "me too".

Though she was gone to Heaven on January 1, 2021, due to her being an organ donor her passing date is January 2. No opioids were in her system. She had sepsis in her kidneys, she took what she thought was a percocet for pain & it was almost pure Fentanyl. You kids out there who are playing Russian roulette with your lives....GET HELP NOW!*

Ashley was an important pillar of the Spring Green Educational Foundation community. This foundation helps people in recovery & those who love them. She

courageously stepped forward to share her story with the world twice. She was passionate about spreading the message that people in recovery need understanding & care, not judgment. The amazing "Chasing Hope" documentary that Ashley is in, is a pivotal tool for middle schools & high schools. You can view it at:

https://www.springgreen.org

Also, you can see the Sundance award winning film that Ashley shared about herself in the beautifully, riveting. documentary "ONE". You can view this movie on Amazon.

https://onethedocumentary.com

Our family would like to thank the doctors & nurses at Toledo Hospital that took incredible care of Ashley & our family. As well as, the Life Connection staff, as she was an organ donor. We were elated to be notified that Ashley saved 2 lives the following day. One life continues on for her sister & the other one for her.

Ashley will be greatly missed by her mother, Pj (Pamela Champion) Sallie; her extraordinary son, Keegan; her remarkable niece, Lyla; her loving grandparents, Tim & Carol Peterson; her uncles, aunts, cousins, & friends. She was preceded in death by her sister, Christina Marie Westfall.

If you know a mother who is grieving her child's passing from drugs in any way...

I started a facebook page after the death of my youngest daughter in 2017 called #NotInVain grieving mamas of the drug epidemic. We are a faith-based site dedicated to helping mothers through the worst tragedy of their lives. We just came out with our book "Not In Vain" with over 160 of our mamas stories along with helpful tools, tips, poems, etc that is a great resource for recovery as well. You can get on Amazon. If you are interested in finding out more about what we do our non-profit website is:

https://notinvainmoms.com/

*If you or a loved one need help with addiction please reach out to my dear friends at Team Recovery at:

http://www.teamrecovery.org/ or 419-561-LIFE

They can help anyone in Ohio & several other states, if they can't help you they will direct you to resources that can.

So many people fought along my daughter's side to save her. I can't list them all, but many are a part of the sites I have listed. They are making a difference & are listed as resources for anyone who needs help. (Jude 1:22 "And some having compassion, making a difference")

A celebration of Ashley's heavenly homecoming including a special service will be held at Bridgepoint Church, 9875 Lewis Ave. Temperance, MI 48182 on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 2 p.m. til 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations will go towards Keegan & Lyla's education & care fund. Gifts can be directed to Pj Champion Sallie thru the church address 9875 Lewis Ave. Temperance, MI 48182.

Only God can guide us with the help of His many children who love us. We will look up to where our strength lies. Our crosses we bear on earth are dress rehearsals for our grand performance through eternity. Looking forward to being reunited with Ashley & Christina again, but not until my work here is done. I am both of their voices now & I promised them & their children their deaths will not be NotInVain.

pawlakfuneralhome.com