Ashley Nicole Startin, age 39, of Spokane, Washington, passed away on Earth Day, April 22, 2026, surrounded by her family after a courageous and unwavering battle with stage 4 colon cancer.

Born on December 16, 1986, in Arizona to Kelly and Rodney Startin, Ashley spent her early childhood in Peoria, Arizona before moving to Spokane at the age of 11. From a young age, she revealed the qualities that would define her life—an avid love of reading that carried her across worlds and perspectives, a brilliant mind with an insatiable appetite for knowledge, and a joy for swimming that reflected her free and spirited nature.

Ashley lived a life rooted in compassion, purpose, and deep connection. A graduate of Whitworth University, she earned her bachelor’s degree and, along the way, found a circle of lifelong friends who became her chosen sisters—relationships she treasured with her whole heart. Ashley dedicated her career to helping others, working as a biotech recruiter while also devoting meaningful time to nonprofit work and advocacy for social and civil justice. She believed fiercely in standing up for others, especially the underdog and minorities, and speaking truth to power. She rarely held her tongue, always ready to engage in a respectful discourse.

A natural leader, Ashley guided and mentored those around her with wisdom, empathy, and honesty. She had a rare ability to help people see the world from new perspectives, encouraging growth and understanding in everyone she encountered. Ashley was also a gifted writer, known for her expansive vocabulary and brilliant, curious mind—undoubtedly shaped by the countless books she devoured throughout her life. She loved challenging the status quo, discussing current events, politics, and social/civil issues. She seemed to carry an endless vault of knowledge, always ready to share an interesting fact, insight, or thoughtful perspective. Ashley was a huge supporter of minority groups and never hesitated to publicly announce ways to get involved and improve our community.

Ashley embraced both the simple and the extraordinary moments that made life rich. She could often be found with a book in hand, disappearing into its pages as if stepping through a doorway into another world. She found joy in cooking and baking, especially during the holidays when she lovingly planned menus and spent hours in the kitchen, creating meals from scratch alongside her mom Kelly and sister Amanda. She also had a love for life’s finer things—never passing up an opportunity to experience something bougie, elegant, or indulgent.

Ashley adored her family deeply. Her happiest moments were often spent surrounded by her niece and nephews, cherishing moments filled with laughter, games, great food, and lots of love. Whether she was showering them with gifts, exploring new things on vacation together, or just hanging out, she created memories that will live on in their hearts forever.

She is survived by her loving parents, Kelly and Rod Startin; her sisters Amanda LaFrance and Kourtney (Andrew) Willis; her brothers Aaron Startin and Kyle Startin; her niece Kenley LaFrance; her nephews Tanner Startin, Ryder LaFrance, and Silas Willis; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins and lots of friends. She was preceded in death by her grandmothers Sandy Ryan and Ruth Startin, her grandfather Darrel Startin, and her cousins Dakota Bublin and Andrew Startin.

Ashley will be remembered for her deeply kind and generous heart, her contagious laughter, her fierce strength, and her unwavering belief in fairness and compassion. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen, heard, and valued. As she often showed through the way she lived, love is found not only in grand gestures, but in the quiet, everyday moments—shared meals, turning pages, and holding those we cherish close.

In the spirit of her love for books, one sentiment reflects Ashley’s life beautifully: “She read to live a thousand lives, but in her own, she gave others something even greater—love, wisdom, and the courage to see the world differently.”

A memorial service will be held on June 7th at 2:00 PM at the Bozarth Mansion. Ashley’s parents have created a Memory Garden in their backyard with perennial and native plants in her honor.

Ashley’s story does not end here, it continues in every life she touched, every kindness she inspired, and every page turned in her memory. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.