Ashley Pankonin

Ashley Marie Pankonin, 44, of Grant, Nebraska, passed away unexpectedly on May 1, 2024, in Ogallala, Nebraska.

Ashley was born on January 6, 1980, in Ogallala, Nebraska to Charles and Barb (Schulz) Pankonin. She graduated in 1998 from Grant High School, where she loved playing basketball for Coach Richard Thurin, along with playing volleyball.

Growing up, she loved riding the horses on the family farm and won numerous ribbons at horse shows. She enjoyed working with her family with their traveling Funny Farm Petting Zoo. She was also quite the roofer with the roofing business owned by Barb, her mother, and Chris Leach.

After high school, she attended Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and continued her education at Metro Community College in Omaha and the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Following her education, Ashley strived to help underprivileged individuals and families, becoming a family advocate and later a director of Voices for Families. She was also appointed by the governor to serve on the State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services. She also enjoyed working for other individuals and businesses, most recently for her uncle Todd at ASAP Construction.

Known for her kind and caring nature, Ashley dedicated herself to caring for her mom during her illness until Barb passed away in 2022. This love and devotion made it difficult for Ashley to reconcile her mother's death.

Ashley's personality was as radiant as her red hair. Her infectious laughter and distinctive dimples had the power to brighten any room she entered, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends alike.

Ashley was preceded in death by her mother, Barb Schulz; her grandparents, Vic and Hulda Pankonin, Carl and Alma Schulz; and uncles, Dan Schulz and Galen Pankonin.

Ashley is survived by her father, Charlie (Sally) Pankonin of Ogallala; bonus dad, Chris Leach of Ogallala; sister, Mandi Pankonin; brother, Zachary Pankonin; nephew, Naz Pankonin, all of Grant; niece Kyah ("T") Jangulo; great niece, Daudi and great nephew, DhaKari, all of North Platte.

She also leaves behind her aunts and uncles, Gilbert Pankonin of Temecula, California, Alvin (Lucretia Johnson) Pankonin of Madrid, Russell (Lori) Pankonin of Imperial, Kathryn Fattig of Grant, Judy (Gene) Dickinson of Sidney, Todd (Courtney) Schulz of Ogallala, and Joyce Schulz of Brule, along with many other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in Ashley's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.

A memorial service will be held in the near future.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.