Ashleigh Raye Swartz

August 02, 1989 - December 03, 2016

Text:

Obituary For Ashleigh Raye Swartz

Ashleigh Raye Swartz Beautiful daughter of Kevin and Helen Swartz Loving, big sister of Madison and Jacob

We experienced the blessing of the Lord from my womb when you were born into our arms. We cried endless tears of joy that we had never known as there is no greater gift than life. Your beauty, warmth, and dependence immediately stole our hearts forever. The sacrificial gift of Jesus was cemented in our hearts and souls as we now personally understood the gift of children. We have forever been positively changed through your life and now your earthly death. We have been blessed beyond measure with great joy, known the deepest unconditional love, battled your undue suffering, and now face colossal loss. Your presence has captivated the lives of many through your gracious love, your empathetic heart, and your selfless life.

Madison and Jacob will forever be indebted and bound to your great love as you protected, advised, and guarded their hearts.

You never boasted or fully embraced your great talent as a writer, artist, or English graduate from NCSU. Your days there were bittersweet as you were robbed of your purity and life started to look and feel different. The pain of the circumstances attempted to drown you but you had a Savior that carried you through the dark days. You often breathed only through the numbness.

The tragedy was a mishap and so unexpected as you were beginning to soar and move out of the valley. You found value in your job at Byrd Tile and you aspired to attain independence. We do not understand what and why the course changed. “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We carry around the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”

However, we have the gift of your Baptism as our confidence that you are in the presence of the great Lord. I see His arms around you in your new wholeness and perfect peace you so desired. We selfishly long to have you back but are certain that absence from the body of believers is presence with the Lord. This is your new beginning and certainly not an end.

We commit to continue honoring our Lord and Savior and praise Jesus for the glory your life will bring to Him. We will await our time to join you in eternity and find comfort in the truth of knowing that He will wipe away every tear and take the crushing heaviness of mourning for the old order of things will pass away. “Then I looked, and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Our family, friends, and merciful Jesus are carrying us in our deep, deep sorrow and we are overwhelmed by your outpouring of love. They have helped us plan and organize a great celebration for the life of our beautiful, precious Ashleigh. We will be honored by your presence.

In lieu of flowers, please worshipfully donate to Hope Community Church in memory of Ashleigh.

December 10, 2016 Hope Community Church 821 Buck Jones Rd. Raleigh, NC 27606

10:30-11:30am: Love on Family Time 11:30-12:30: Celebration and Worship

December 10, 2016 Pine Forest Memorial Gardens 770 Stadium Drive Wake Forest, NC 27588

1:30 Green Burial and honor of earthly body

Services

TBD

Cemetery

Pine Forest Memorial Gardens 770 Stadium Drive Wake Forest, NC 27587 Get Directions »
10 Dec

Visitation

10:30 AM - 11:30 PM

Hope Community Church 821 Buck Jones Road Raleigh, NC 27606 Get Directions »
10 Dec

Funeral Service

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Hope Community Church 821 Buck Jones Road Raleigh, NC 27606 Get Directions »
10 Dec

Graveside Service

01:30 PM

Pine Forest Memorial Gardens 770 Stadium Drive Wake Forest, NC 27587 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • September 01, 2020

    Robin McCoy

    Helen, I have no words that can bring comfort except that your beautiful daughter is in heaven and you will see her again. This I know for sure!. Know that my heart is heavy and full of loving thoughts for you and your family. I'll be waiting to give you a big hug when I see you next. Take care of yourself. Lot's of love and prayers. Robin McCoy

  • September 01, 2020

    Gregory W. Kurtz

    Lit a candle in memory of Ashleigh Raye Swartz

  • September 01, 2020

    Cindy Swartz

    Lit a candle in memory of Ashleigh Raye Swartz

  • September 01, 2020

    Dede Padgett Ansell

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  • September 01, 2020

    Farrah Anderson

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  • September 01, 2020

    blake

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  • September 01, 2020

    Bob and Linda Quinn

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  • September 01, 2020

    sandra evangelist

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  • September 01, 2020

    David Reynolds

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  • September 01, 2020

    Patti

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  • September 01, 2020

    Mary Cooke

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  • September 01, 2020

    Alexis Giannattasio

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  • September 01, 2020

    Jackie Giannattasio

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  • September 01, 2020

    Kristen Pearce

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  • September 01, 2020

    susan munson

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  • September 01, 2020

    Sophia Mears

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  • September 01, 2020

    Janie

    i remember how very loved Ashleigh was by her mom and dad when she was just a child. Such a beautiful child she was. i am so sorry Kevin and Helen for your loss as well as everyone in the family. I wish that things could have been different. May God bless you!

  • September 01, 2020

    Dawn Swartz

    I'm going to miss my cousin so much

  • September 01, 2020

    Rhonda and Jim Bumbaugh

    Rhonda and Jim Bumbaugh

  • September 01, 2020

    Catherine N Luke Dobbins

    I met Ashleigh on our way to the Passion Conference in 2014...we clicked immediately. We swapped our life stories the second night and we had so much in common. It definitely created a strong bond from that point on. She was an incredibly special young lady...and although her life ended here on earth way to soon, I will rejoice that she is in our Father's house serving Him...free from pain and suffering. Be well Ashleigh...be well.

  • September 01, 2020

    pat collins

    I love you Helen and I will always be here for you .. we will get thru this together day by day ..

  • September 01, 2020

    Morgan Reece Nienke

    Lit a candle in memory of Ashleigh Raye Swartz

  • September 01, 2020

    Nicole Collins

    Lit a candle in memory of Ashleigh Raye Swartz

  • September 01, 2020

    Katie Fisher

    Lit a candle in memory of Ashleigh Raye Swartz

  • September 01, 2020

    Tim Davis Family

    Lit a candle in memory of Ashleigh Raye Swartz

  • September 01, 2020

    Joy King Beke

    Lit a candle in memory of Ashleigh Raye Swartz

  • September 01, 2020

    pat collins

    Lit a candle in memory of Ashleigh Raye Swartz

  • September 01, 2020

    Rhonda and Jim Bumbaugh

    Lit a candle in memory of Ashleigh Raye Swartz

  • September 01, 2020

    Deborah Jones

    With heartfelt sorrow and sadness. So sorry for your loss.

  • September 01, 2020

    Debra Carlton

    We will always remember Ashleigh watching over Madison and Katie as they played in the sun and snow during our first years in Holly Springs. Please know we are honoring Ashleigh's memory by educating others in our community. She is in the arms of the Lord now, and her precious gifts will live on through her family. May God bless you all.

  • September 01, 2020

    Elisabeth Wallace

    My heart breaks and I am so sorry to hear this. Ashley was a beautiful soul. I was an outsider when I moved to our new school and not a lot of people made me feel welcome or accepted. Ashley, however, was so kind and sweet and made me feel like I had a place and voice. She welcomed me into her group of friends and always had a smile on her face. I am forever grateful for that kindness she showed me. My prayers are with her family.

  • September 01, 2020

    Dawn Ackerman

    A beautiful dancer with a gorgeous smile. Grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know her through the Holly Springs School of Dance. It was a privilege to travel with her to NYC, as she performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade years ago. Prayers for comfort. :heart: Dawn Ackerman

  • September 01, 2020

    Lori Sowers

    Helen, may you find comfort I all of the wonderful times and memories you shared with your sweet daughter. My heart breaks tonight for you and your entire family. Sending lots of love through this difficult time.

  • September 01, 2020

    Scott and Linda Saunders

    Dear Kevin, Helen, Madison and Jacob, Ashleigh was one of Nicole's first friends when we moved to NC in 1997. They remained friends until the day she left this earth to be with Our Saviour. She was a beautiful inside and out, a beautiful Spirit within her. We continue to lift you up as you go through this difficult time. Much love to you all.

  • September 01, 2020

    Margie Best

    Helen, my thoughts are with you and your family in this tragic time on the death of your beautiful daughter Ashleigh. May God's Peace be with you. Margie Best

  • September 01, 2020

    Suzanne Calcutt

    "The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk in the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with your blessing. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will purse me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever." I am praying daily for you and family. with love Suzanne Calcutt

  • September 01, 2020

    Shelly

    Do not judge a biography by its length, Nor by the number of pages in it. Judge it by the richness of its contents Sometimes those unfinished are among the most poignant Do not judge a song by its duration Nor by the number of its notes Judge it by the way it touches and lifts the soul Sometimes those unfinished are among the most beautiful And when something has enriched your life And when its melody lingers on in your heart Is it unfinished? Or is it endless? ~Unknown We will always remember you as a beautiful young woman full of promise. Love, The Blake Family John , Shelly and Chelsea

  • September 01, 2020

    Teresa Johnson

    I did not personally know Ashleigh personally , but I loved her through my colleague and sister in Christ Helen. I remember Helen and I bonded on a business trip to Chicago last year and all we did is talk about our families and our love for the Lord. I shared with Helen the love I had for my late mother, who I had lost at a young age and Helen shared with how much she enjoyed being a mother and she literally "lit up" when she spoke of Ashleigh. I could tell Helen loved and adored Ashleigh. I absolutely admired the love this mother (Helen) had for her daughter. It reminded me of how much my mother loved me. Helen you have such genuine spirit and I thank God I had the opportunity to unite with you. I thank God I had the privilege to pray for Ashleigh daily. As a result I am greatly saddened that she left us so quickly, but am reminded of a line in Psalm 116:15 that says "Blessed in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones." I also think of the parable where Jesus tells us not to store up treasure on earth - but in heaven. 'For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also'. All of us now have greater treasure in heaven, and more of our heart will reside there also. Please accept my deepest sympathies, remember Psalm 121 God is your helper! Love Minister Teresa Johnson

  • September 01, 2020

    Brian Moran

    Ashleigh and I would spend a lot of time talking about life and faith while we worked together at Hope when she was in the coffee shop. She absolutely loved all of the children and their parents in our daycare and her face would light up when the kids would come visit her at the coffee shop. I watched her grow as a person from her first day training until she made the tough decision to move on to another role outside of Hope. It was an honor to know her, to work with her, and to see her work along side the high school ministry at Hope. Her passion for those kids was infectious and they all loved her. Although I do not understand why God took her so soon, I can rest knowing that this is His plan for her. Thank you Ashleigh for letting me be a small part of life. Brian

  • September 01, 2020

    Susan Williams

    Helen and family, I am so sorry to hear of Ashleigh's passing. What an incredibly beautiful young lady! I know your hearts are breaking, but hope you find comfort in your sweet memories and knowing that she is with the Lord. Please give my love to your whole family and know that we will keep you all in our prayers. Love, Phil and Susan (Godbold) Williams

  • September 01, 2020

    Peggy Jones

    Kevin and family...deepest, deepest sympathies and prayers from your FedEx family.

  • September 01, 2020

    Meredith Wooten

    I am so sorry for your loss Helen. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • September 01, 2020

    ShannonRob Wagner

    My thoughts and prayers go out to Helen, Kevin, Madison, and Jacob as well as friends and the rest of my family in this time of grief. May god wrap his loving arms around you all and bring you up and rejoice in knowing Ashleigh is with our savoir Jesus! Lots of love from your cousin Shannon, Rob,Austin,and Katurah!

  • September 01, 2020

    Greg Kurtz

    I remember this poem written by Ashleigh and Helen at Ida Mae Swartz's funeral.

  • September 01, 2020

    Susan Taylor

    Ashleigh and my daughter Claire were the best of friends at MCHS and I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with Ashleigh and to have the opportunity to get to know her. I would see Ashleigh out and about and most recently at Trader Joes. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see Ashleigh with her infectious smile and she gave me the biggest hug. I will hold that memory and all the others of Ashleigh in my heart. I'm so sorry to learn of Ashleigh's passing and send my thoughts and prayers to her family during this very sad time.

  • September 01, 2020

    Sara Randall Cotten

    I have so many fond memories with Ashleigh I can't pick just one to share! She had a heart of gold and always knew how to make someone feel better about themselves. My heart is broken that she had to endure what she did these past few years. The world is a better place and I am a better person for having known her! Mrs Helen, Mr Kevin, Maddison & Jacob, I am so sorry for your loss. I know the pain is deep and a part of your heart is now gone. Please know you are being covered in prayer and God is holding you all as close as He is holding Ashleigh to. -Sara Randall Cotten

  • September 01, 2020

    Sheila Sloan

    Helen, we are deeply saddened to learn of Ashleigh's passing. Praying for God's peace and comfort for all of you. Sheila and Randy Sloan

  • September 01, 2020

    Christy Brown

    Kevin and Helen, We were very sorry to hear of Ashleigh's passing. She was such a beautiful young girl. It seems like she should still be that young girl that I first met when you lived in Holly Glen. I'm asking the Lord to hold you in his big hands and to comfort you. I look at Sarah and Katy knowing that you were there for us when our girls were being born. Your Sunrise buddies love you. Christy Brown<><

  • September 01, 2020

    Heather

    Lit a candle in memory of Ashleigh Raye Swartz

  • September 01, 2020

    Madison Swartz

    Lit a candle in memory of Ashleigh Raye Swartz

  • September 01, 2020

    Debra Carlton

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  • September 01, 2020

    ShannonRob Wagner

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  • September 01, 2020

    Diana Gregiry

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  • September 01, 2020

    Susan Feuerstein

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  • September 01, 2020

    Nanette Sandy

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