It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Ashley Lauren Craig (29), who left us on December 24, 2016 while residing in Los Angeles, California.
Born July 13, 1987 at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, WA, Ashley was the second of five children to David and Catherine Craig of Sammamish, WA.
Ashley was a gifted student, musician, artist, writer, and world traveler; attending Margaret Mead Elementary School, Inglewood Junior High School, Eastlake High School, and the University of Washington.
While in high school Ashley was a recognized member of the Tennis and Badminton teams, Varsity Debate Team, School Senate, National Honor Society, French Honor Society (President), and City of Sammamish Youth Board. A gifted speaker, she was also a two time State of Washington debate finalist in Original Oratory Speaking. She was a University of Washington Scholarship recipient, State of Washington Promise Scholarship recipient, and the recipient of the United States Marine Corps Academic Achievement Award.
Following high school, Ashley accepted an invitation from the University of Washington Honors Program where she went on to earn her Undergraduate and Masters Degrees in business administration and accounting.
At the time of her passing, Ashley was employed as a Finance/Accounting Specialist with DLC, Inc. (Woodland Hills, CA) on special assignment to Warner Brothers Studios and the law firm of Latham and Watkins. DLC’s managing director stated: “Ashley was a treasured consultant and rising star within the organization and well liked by everyone she met. She was known for her attention to detail and thorough preparation which resulted in significant contributions to the company and its clients. Ashley was a bright and dazzling light that will forever shine in our thoughts and memories. We are fortunate to have been graced by her presence and to call her a colleague.” Prior to DLC, Ashley held the positions of Senior Audit Associate with Suar Milner (Los Angeles, CA), Accountant with Cadence Aerospace (City of Industry, CA), Accountant with Double-Down Interactive (Seattle, WA), and Audit Associate with KPMG (Seattle, WA).
Ashley will always be remembered for being a vibrant, creative, smart, funny, and beautiful young woman with a kind and caring heart; exemplified by her artistic talents, writing skills, and the music scores she composed while playing the piano. Her quick wit evoked much thought and laughter through her PunnyLady.com website where she blogged about daily life and politics.
Ashley is preceded in death by her grandmother, Patricia A. Drake (Redmond, WA); her grandfather, Dr. Arthur B. Craig (Spokane, WA); and her and her aunt and uncle, Drs. Damian & Caroline Augustyn (Hillsborough, CA).
Ashley is survived by her grandmother Dr. Joan Craig (Spokane, WA); her grandfather Lt. Col. Charles E. Drake (Redmond, WA); her parents David & Catherine Craig (Sammamish, WA); her brother Christopher Craig, his wife Julie and their new-born daughter Aliyah Catherine (Lynnwood, WA); her sister Rachel Craig and fiancée Mike Williams (Issaquah, WA); her brother Jonathon Craig (Sammamish, WA); her sister Carly Renee Craig (Sammamish, WA); and her cat George.
Surviving aunts and uncles include: Brad Craig (San Francisco, CA), Drs. Paul Craig & Joni Nichols (Spokane, WA); Lisa and Greg Napoli (San Francisco, CA); Andy & Brenda Craig (Spokane, WA); Annette & Michael Bent (Taylor Falls, MN); and many cousins.
Ashley’s parents and siblings extend their gratitude to the friends and family members that have helped them cope with the sudden and unexpected loss of their beloved daughter and sister during the past few weeks. Ashley will be greatly missed and the family recognizes the impact that her loss has had on others as well. We thank you for your prayers.
Date and location of future memorial service to be announced.
Ashley was a true animal lover. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the Seattle Humane Society, 13212 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98005.
