Ashley Marie Joseph "AJ," gained her angel wings Dec 28, 2019 in Colorado Springs, CO. She was born on Jan 27, 1997 in Macomb County. Ashley was the daughter of Loretta and Samual DeWater and Amy and Manoj Joseph.
Ashley grew up attending Mancelona High Schools, where she was very athletic, socially active with school programs and involved in many clubs that displayed the passion she had for helping others.
Following high school, she spread her wings and began writing her own story. Never being afraid to take an adventure, her passion for life lead her to many places. In a short 22 years, she made her mark not only in this town but many others too, such as St. Louis, MO, Colorado Springs, CO, and Ewa Beach, HI.
Growing up in Michigan she enjoyed playing sports, disc golf, camping, music and most of all, spending time with her family. While in Colorado Springs, CO, she was able to continue her mastery of snowboarding abilities, became an avid hiker, took up long boarding, and so much more. She especially enjoyed nature, animals and making the most of life.
She was always doing her best to bring a smile to those around her. Many would describe her as protective of those she loved, a leader, kind, spontaneous, strong willed, adventurous, brave, intelligent, and funny, just to name a few. She had an amazing sense of humor that coupled the contagious laugh. Ashley's energy was unmatched when she walked into a room. She greeted those around her with a contagious smile and had a personality that shined, making the day brighter for those around her without much effort. Her family will never forget the smiles they shared. Her brothers especially will always cherish time spent with her singing and laughing, notably on road trips, belting out their favorite tune.
Ashley is survived by her parents, Sam and Loretta DeWater and Manoj and Amy Joseph; her siblings, Gavin Gilmet, Harley DeWater, and Hannah Joseph; grandparents, Don and Glenda Gilmet, of Alpena, David and Lea DeWater of Colorado Springs, CO; grandmother, Mariamma Joseph of Warren; her great grandmother, Donna Reinke of Alpena; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Evelyn Dean; maternal grandfather, Gerlad Gilmet; paternal grandfather, PS Joseph; maternal great grandparents, Don and Jackie Dean; paternal great grandparents, Loraine Stephenson and Wilbur "Buzz" Stephenson; and many relatives and friends.
Services will be held on Sun, Jan 5, 2020 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home located at 305 Sixth St, Traverse City. Visitation is scheduled from noon to 2 pm, the service at 2 pm, with a luncheon directly after at the VFW Cherryland Post 2780, 3400 Veterans Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684. There will be a burial service on Tue, Jan 7, 2020 at 1 pm at the Oakwood Cemetery, 1400 E Eighth St, Traverse City, where she will be laid to rest eternally alongside her grandmother.
