Ashley Elisabeth Vanvurst

Our angel, Ashley Elisabeth VanVurst, Goshen, died January 2, 2021.

She was born September 29, 1971 in Birmingham, Michigan to Pamela (Pottinger) and Henry VanVurst III. She earned her high school diploma from the Adult Work Center in Traverse City, Michigan in 1998.

Ashley was an active resident of the Goshen area since 2003. She celebrated the freedom given by living independently at Goldenrod, Inc. and ADEC. Ashley loved being busy and was constantly seeking out opportunities for activities, outings with friends, and shopping trips. Ashley enjoyed working at the South Side Soda Shop; attending the Shoots Day program; ballet class; Aktion Club; Project Promise; and College Mennonite Church. She had previously been a part of Special Olympics Bowling.

Ashley loved any opportunity for publicity, often serving as the face of her organizations. She was awarded the Dare to Dream honor through ADEC in 2018.

Ashley will be remembered for her love of dolls (especially flicky-eyed ones); puns; crafting; and cruises (especially for the cute guys).

Her family misses her deeply and is so incredibly grateful for the 49 years we had with her, despite her doctor’s early prognosis following a diagnosis of Prader Willi Syndrome.

Ashley is preceded in death by her parents; grandmother, Maze Pottinger; grandparents, Elizabeth & Henry VanVurst; and longtime sweetheart, Che’ Hines.

Ashley is survived by her uncle and aunt, Nick and Charity Boyd, Goshen, who served as her guardians and second parents since 2013. Also surviving are brothers Chip VanVurst, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and Matthew VanVurst, Lighthouse Point, Florida; grandparents Dave Pottinger & Faye Peterson, Goshen; cousins Hannah Boyd and Nicole (Justin) Boyd Lehman, all of Goshen; and other special aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, roommates, and a multitude of friends that were touched by her joy.

Ashley’s family would like to thank all of the staff who have worked with Ashley and given her independence. All of your love and help gave her a life she had always dreamed of and we are eternally grateful for the role you played in that.

A memorial will take place at a later time.  In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to be directed to the Shoots Day Program. https://adecinc.com/catalog/dayservices/shoots/