Ashley Miranda Stender

Ashley Miranda Stender, 43, of Kenova, WV, went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 5, 2025 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Huntington, WV. She faced her battle with cancer with unwavering courage and determination, never giving up. She was surrounded by the love of her family and friends, whose lives she deeply touched. Ashley was born on July 28, 1981, to Crit and Judy Stender of Kenova, WV. A proud graduate of Marshall University, she received her Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Marketing. She furthered her education by receiving an MBA in International Business. As a devotion to her commitment to lifetime learning, she was finishing her second Master’s Degree in Education at the time of her diagnosis. Ashley found her calling as a teacher. Her classroom was not just a place of learning but a place of love, laughter, and connection. Her students and co-workers became an extension of her family. Ashley nurtured both minds and hearts, creating a space where everyone felt inspired and loved. Ashley’s greatest joy was her relationship with God, and she never hesitated to share her faith. She often spoke of how Jesus gave her the strength to face life’s challenges, and she lived her life as a testament to His grace. Her faith guided everything she did, from loving her family and friends to embracing every stranger she met with open arms and a kind heart. She had an extraordinary ability to leave behind laughter, warmth, and unforgettable memories. Her sense of humor and quick wit were unmatched, and she had a gift for making everyone feel instantly happy and loved. Her family and friends were her world, and she poured every ounce of her heart into those she cared about. She adored her daughter, Sophi Aldridge, and was a devoted mother who taught her the importance of faith, love, strength, and laughter. She is also survived by Sophi’s father, Todd Aldridge; her parents, Crit and Judy Stender; her siblings, Sarah Rhodes (Dustin), Cassie Snyder (Ryan), and Crit Stender; and her beloved nieces and nephews, Sawyer Snyder, Grace Snyder, Tucker Rhodes, and Hattie Rhodes. She also leaves behind countless friends who became family and will forever cherish her memory.  A celebration of Ashley’s life will be conducted on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 1 pm at the Reger Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Ridgelawn Memorial Park. Friends may call from 11am until service time at the Reger Funeral Home. Ashley’s life was a beautiful reflection of God’s love. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, laughter, and unshakable strength that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. The family would like to thank the Neurology Unit at St. Mary’s Medical Center, the selfless staff at the Hope Lodge in Lexington, KY, the UK Markey Cancer Center, and a special thank you to Dr. John Villano.

2 Timothy 4:7 says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith".