Ashley Marie Middleton-Vickers

Some people have a way of making themselves unforgettable. Ashley Marie Middleton, 36, of Petersburg, IN, born on December, 14, 1989 daughter of Beth Wilkes and Scott Wilkes, was one of those people. Beautiful, vibrant, fiercely stubborn, and wonderfully outspoken, Ashley lived with a personality that could fill a room and a laugh that was impossible to ignore. No one could resist her infectious bubbly personality, even if loving her occasionally meant shaking your head and letting her have the last word.

From an early age, she possessed a creative spirit, a sharp wit, and a natural talent for finding beauty in the world around her. She carried those gifts into her love of photography, where she found joy in capturing the moments that others might have overlooked. Through her lens, ordinary moments became treasured memories, and the photographs she leaves behind will continue telling stories for years to come.

Ashley was a woman of many talents, with a love for plants, make-up, all things girly and a passion for music especially the musical Wicked. She was intelligent, funny, and rarely at a loss for words. She could be opinionated, delightfully dramatic, and stubborn enough to test the patience of those who loved her most. But she could also fill an ordinary afternoon with laughter, turn a quick conversation into an hour-long visit, and make even the simplest memories worth holding on to.

Above all, Ashley was a mother to her three children, Eli James Middleton, Emma Vivian Middleton and Eloise Sue Middleton. They were the most important part of her world, and the love she had for them will remain part of their story. As they grow, they will have a family ready to share the stories, photographs, laughter, and memories that will help them know their mother in all the ways she deserves to be remembered.

Ashley knew both great love and profound loss throughout her life. Following the passing of her husband Michael Wayne Middleton, the father of her children, she eventually found love again with her husband, Derek Vickers. Their marriage became another chapter in her story, and Derek's devotion was especially evident during her final illness. He remained faithfully by her side, advocating for her care, speaking for her when she could not, and surrounding her with love through her final days. His unwavering presence was a gift to Ashley and a comfort to those who loved her.

To her family, Ashley was much more than the roles she held. She was a daughter, mother of three children and three step children, niece, and sister. She was a companion for shopping trips, movies, gossip, and spontaneous visits. She was a friend and selflessly helped others through their own trials. She was the familiar face across the street, the person you expected to find on the other end of a phone call, and someone whose absence will be felt in a thousand ordinary moments.

Ashley was preceded in death by her sister Rachel Elizabeth Wilkes, grandparents Glenn and Ann Hall, Milton and Shirley Wilkes, and late husband Michael Wayne Middleton

She leaves behind her beloved children, Eli, Emma, and Eloise; her husband, Derek Vickers, ( Korben, Ryleigh, and Alexander) ; her parents Beth Wilkes and Scott Wilkes ( Kristen); her siblings, Adam Wilkes (Ramy) (Hannah and Zack), Anthony Wilkes (Chloe Moore) ( Emerson and Arlo) Amanda (Dustin) (Calvin and Cameron); and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Although Ashley's life was far shorter than those who loved her ever imagined, the years she lived cannot be measured simply by their number. They are found in the photographs she took, the children she brought into the world, the laughter shared around kitchen tables, the friendships she made, and the countless stories that will continue to be told about her.

Her family will remember her beauty, her talents, her unmistakable voice, and the way she could make them laugh even when she was driving them crazy. Most of all, they will remember that she was theirs, and that loving her was a privilege they would choose again and again.

A visitation will be held on November 5th, from 11-2 at Petersburg Free Methodist Church. Funeral services will follow directly after.

The world is a little quieter without Ashley in it, but the memories she created will continue to speak for her.