Ashley Lachea Conard

ashley conard

October 15, 1987 ~ March 9, 2025

Born in: Buncombe Co., NC
Resided in: Candler, NC

Ashley Lachea Conard, 37, of Candler, NC passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025.

Ashley was born October 15, 1987 in Buncombe Co. She was a Christian, and cherished her relationship with her savior, Jesus Christ. Ashley was a peer support specialist and helped numerous women find their way into recovery and helped them better their lives.

Surviving are her parents, Joseph Conard and Melanie Conard; daughter, Lexie Metcalf (Bryson); sons, Carter Conard and Jayden Gunter; brother, Davey Conard; grandparents, Bob and Lucille Conard; and her beloved dogs, Shadow and Elsa. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Peggy and David Hudgins.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18 at Starnes Cove Baptist Church, with the Reverends Charlie Sams and William Moore officiating.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday at Groce Funeral Home, Patton Avenue.

Services

Visitation: March 17, 2025 5:00 pm - March 12, 2025 7:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Memorial Service: March 18, 2025 2:00 pm

Starnes Cove Baptist Church
149 Starnes Cove Road
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)667-1193

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Ashley and I were like sisters growing up. We were inseparable. I always thought she was the most beautiful person. Even though we often fought like sisters, I knew she always had my back. I hate that we lost contact in our adulthood and I miss her dearly. Rest in peace, Ashley. I love you.

    • Oh sweet Ashley, you will be missed by so many. As a friend of the family, I watched from the sidelines as you grew. You overcame some huge obstacles and came out as such a better person. You are definitely one to make us proud of. You will be forever missed sweet girl!

  2. You will be missed Ashley. We’ve shared many great memories together. You will be missed. Praying for the family and friends. Rest in peace Ashley ❤️

  3. I’ve known Ashley for what feels like my entire life. She could light up a room, and her smile was so infectious it could change your day, and change your attitude. Ashley was a force. I’m mourning my childhood friend, and for those that loved her. Hopefully she has found peace.

  4. I will always remember the sweet little girl that oversaw my wedding sign-in book and helped her younger cousins that day. And, I will remember taking care of you and Dave after school. You were always so helpful with the littles and I appreciated you. Gone way to soon Ashe. But, because you accepted Jesus as savior, I know you are with Christ. And that brings us all comfort. I love you and you will be missed.

  5. Ashely
    You will so missed by so many that knew you and we had many memories with you and your babies we were so proud of you … RIP sweet Ash

  6. I looked up to Ashley. I can remember doing Peer University when she was doing big things at the Ramada for Sunrise. As I watched her I thought to myself THIS, this is what I want to do with my life. She was an inspiration to so many and she will never be forgotten. Thoughts and prayers for her family. Until we meet again ❤️

  7. Conard family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Ashley. She was always a beautiful young lady. She always had that beautiful smile. I’m sending love and prayers your way. The greatest gift is knowing that you will be with her again one day.

    Sonia Pressley

  8. I have so many wonderful memories of you Ashley. You were like one of my own. Brittany, Saxxon, Davey and you were like bothers and sisters. Life has a way of taking people in different directions and places and you lose touch with people that have been a part of your life but you never forget the memories and the wonderful times spent together. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family and friends. I know you will be missed by so many. May you rest in peace Ashley. I love you.

  9. I will miss my many talks with Ashley when we worked at Sunrise & she would come to the Center almost every day. She would tell me stories about her life, and what she had plans for with her life. We stayed in touch after we moved on to different jobs. Such a sweet girl and I cant get her off my mind. She had a beautiful smile that lit up the room. Sure gonna miss you Ashley. 💔

  10. Ashley and I have known each other since we were the children. I’ve watched her grow up into a beautiful, intelligent, kind and selfless woman. She has mentored me and countless other women in the recovery community. Let this be a testimony to everyone in recovery that we must band together with one another. You truly beloved and always missed forever…. we love you!! Owemby and Hoglen family!

  11. Conard family: I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Ashley. I am sure she helped many people turn their lives around. May God wrap his arms around each of you and give you peace and comfort at this sad time.

  12. Conard family we are so very sorry for your loss. But rejoice knowing your precious Ashley is in heaven and you will see her again. Prayers and Love,
    Bart and Sheila Crooke

  13. Oh sweet Ashley the world got a little dimmer the second we lost you, I’m grateful I got the chance to grow up with you and run the softball fields together. You were so great as making others feel accepted and welcome and always being their hype man and pushing them to believe in themselves.
    My heart goes out to your family I know that pain has to be so heavy if there’s anything we can do to help in anyways please reach out
    All the love I have to give
    -Worm

  14. Conard family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers 🙏

  15. Sending love and prayers to the family! Me and my brother always thought a lot of Ashley! She was a such bright light in this world.

  16. Ashley im so lost in words right now I’ve only been around you these last 2 years an an that was the best 2 years of my life the nights out we had the laughs an the cry’s an the funny cry’s all means so much to me I’m glad god brought me into your life before he look you back your such a beautiful soul everything about you was perfect I’m going to miss the story telling about our lives before we came into each others life I’m going to miss all the adventures we had an everting I love my beautiful bestfriend I’m really sad we didn’t have more time together

    • You are truly going to be missed. I am going to miss your bright smile and your hugs. Miss you friend.

  17. Omg, im in tears,i cant believe your gone,Im lost for words, i love u baby girl,We used to have so much much back when we worked at Applebees,We would go to Ball field to Thirsty Thursdays and Going to wild wings, and Just so much fun With Lindsey and You 🥺And our kids Loved playing together, Girl u sure are gonna be Missed love you Beautiful Angel Fly High in Heaven🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️✝️✝️✝️

    • Girl i cant believe your gone, i havent seen u in a long time but doesnt mean i dont miss you, ur beautiful soul was amazing u were such a light in so many peoples lives and Loved when our kids played when they were young🥺 Fly High in Heaven sweet Angel🕊️✝️🙏🕊️✝️🙏🕊️✝️🙏

  18. Ashley, I love you girl. You were like a daughter to me. I’m happy knowing that your up there watching over your mom and me but damn I’m going to miss you.

  19. I am Heartbroken, but I know you are with our Heavenly Father. I love you dearly but I wouldn’t ask you to come back here to a troubled world. I will always be your Grandmother and am so Happy for Having you. Love you

  20. Sending light&love today, May the lord give each comfort that loved Ashley.Our
    thoughts are with the Conard family.

  21. My heart goes out to both Joe & Melanie and the Family so hard to lose a child and a loved one. Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed until we meet them again.

  22. Melanie, I love you so much honey and at this time I know we are both thinking life is repeating itself again in our family. We ask ourselves Why?( We will get answers someday), but until then we have to know that God is always with us, He is right there beside you now and he won’t leave you Mel. Ashley is with our Sweet Jesus now and life everlasting. I’m here for you honey and I Love You !

  23. Ashley and I go way back and have been in each other lives since we was 5 to 6 years old. Its crazy 12 years ago, she ended up being my step sister after years of history. No matter who met Ashley, she always made a impact in someone life. She will be missed

  24. It seems just yesterday we just all loved watching them run around and play at family reunions with all the cousins…Love and prayers to you Joe and Melanie, and Uncle Bobby and Aunt Lucille, too. She was just the sweetest most genuine Light.

  25. I’m so proud of you accomplishments over the past 10 years. You have always been such a strong woman. Thank you for showing and pushing others to fight their demons, and educating others to utilize our local resources. You will forever be missed but never forgotten. Fly high you beautiful soul.

  26. Lucille and Bobby, we wish there were some words of comfort that would take the pain away but life will never be the same for you. We know that you were so proud of her accomplishments and recovery. Know that you are in our prayers. Love to you all.
    Bill and Dyrenda Blankenship

  27. May god wrap you in his sweet embrace and may you fly high with your angel wings of grace. You will be deeply missed as you are loved by many. You became a big part of my life as the step mom of Nathan, I hope I told you enough just how much I appreciated you❤

  28. Ashley you and Cinnamon were often mistaken for sisters. I remember when you stayed with us overnight you girls had such a fun time. Playing softball when I would see you from a distance I would think you were Cinnamon and then to find out you and Cinnamon share the same birthday, Ashley, I’m so proud of everything you accomplished in your life and I’m so thankful to have been able to know you. I love you and you will forever be in my heart. We will all see one another again in heaven with our savior Jesus Christ.

  29. Ashley I really cannot believe your gone. I just talked to you not long ago and we were sending funny Snapchat pictures to each other just to make us laugh. You are the most beautiful person I have ever met! My heart goes out to the Conard family!! Rest in peace love!! You will be missed!!! 💙

  30. Some glad morning when this life is over
    I’ll fly away
    To a home on God’s celestial shore
    I’ll fly away

    Rest in peace sweet angel.
    Love your cousin,
    Caroline

  31. To Joe, Melanie and Davey. We are so devastated with the loss of your precious Ashley. We watched her grow up on the ballfield when Cameron and Davey played ball together. She was always there for her little brother. Sending prayers and love for all you and her children and God’s many blessings

  32. Joe (and Melanie), Bob and Lucille, we can’t even imagine how difficult it is to lose a daughter or a granddaughter. Our hearts go out to you, to her three children who lost their mother too soon, to Davey, and all the family. My first memories of Ashley are Kathy bringing her to church as a young girl. I feel sure that Kathy’s love and prayers, as well as all of yours, helped to lead Ashley to her acceptance of Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and her recovery. We love your family so much. We are and will be praying for all of you in these difficult days. May the Lord give you peace and comfort in knowing that she is safe in the arms of Jesus.

  33. Aunt Asheeeee, I love you. Our whole family loved you. I’m completely heartbroken and I was angry cause one thing about me and you we like to control things and I couldn’t control and fix what was broken. We both knew Jesus was the only one that could do that -I know you are in Heaven because you were a faithful believer in Jesus and you always invited people to church or you were volunteering. You always fought for the underdog. You always made sure to do family things, you were close with your family, but at the same time you never left your Recovery family out to be honest you never left anybody out. You would sponsor the ladies with so much love and compassion and you made it look so easy. I love how you showed up for me even when you were struggling with your own battles. You were such a selfless person and I am grateful for the time we got to spend together. It wasn’t long enough though. I always loved that you never rang the door bell or knocked, family just walk in. I remember you being so proud when Lexy did that at your home or when Carter would call and talk about this or that. You definitely were so proud of each and every one of your children. You were a great bonus mom to Nathan and your fur babies. I could go on and on. From doing a whole step study together, going on a cruise together. You got my lashes done cause I always loved them on you. Matching cheetah tattoos because we loved cheetah print so much !!!You will always hold a special place in my heart. Fly high my beautiful bestie boo.

  34. Ashley, I love you, always had, always will. Even though it didn’t work out with us we still remained great friends. I could always call you when I needed to vent. You always lifted me outta a slump. I miss you so much babe.

  35. Ashley, Fly high sister ❤️
    Your contributions to the community have touched so many lives. The hearts you helped are still benefiting from your efforts, and it’s hard to come to terms with your absence. Our conversations were filled with genuine meaning and impact, and your dedication to making a positive change in the world was so clear. I was not as close to you as I wished to be but the imprint you let is a lasting one. Working alongside you in the fight towards positive change always provided motivation and inspiration.
    You had an incredible presence and strength that influenced everyone around you. Your unwavering commitment to supporting others was truly remarkable. You would share your heartfelt admiration for your children, and your sense of humor added such a unique and entertaining spark to your personality. We all miss you dearly.
    Even though you’re no longer with us, your Spirit lives on in the lives you’ve touched and the hearts you’ve warmed. Every story shared, every laugh we had together, and every moment of kindness reflects the beautiful legacy you leave behind. We celebrate the love, joy, and light you brought into our lives. Our memories of you will forever be filled with gratitude and admiration for the wonderful person you were. Rest in peace, Ashley, knowing your presence made this world a better place. Give Jesus a big hug for me and one day we will meet again!

  36. Casey, Gloria, Lucille and Bob. Jerry and I send our heartfelt sad condolences I know how it feels. If there is anything we can do please let us know. God Bless.

  37. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. There is no greater loss than that of a child.

  38. There are no words. My heart breaks like many others who will never forget you. I know without a doubt you are in Heaven and are no longer in pain. I have always looked up to you and aspired to be as close to God as you were. You openly professed your love for Christ a quality I always admired about you. I had the pleasure ti work with you for almost 4 yrs and to call you a friend. Until we meet again…

  39. To all the Conard family. Our love & prayers are with you during this time.

    Marvin & Janice Jones

  40. Sending love and prayers to everyone Ashley left behind. She was such a beautiful and inspirational woman of God! I’m heartbroken for those who’s she left too soon!

  41. When I found out Ashley had passed away, the tears immediately began to flow. Thinking about what a positive life that she made for herself and how many people she helped in recovery. The changes she made to better herself and her life. The changes she made for her children. For her family.

    Ashley. I am so proud of who you became. I will always admire the strength you had to pull yourself out of the life you were living years ago. You have been a strong individual since I met you as a young kid. You were many people’s hero and I will always be proud of you for your accomplishments in this life!

  42. Ashley this is your momma, you know you were my hero! Nobody has to tell you that. I love you more than you will ever know and my heart is shattered. My life will be so empty without you, I prayed so hard that I would never have to see this day, God must have needed you in heaven. Give your nana and papal a kiss from me and don’t forget your uncle Davey. Ashley I’m going to miss you everyday and I pray God will give me the strength to carry on just know how much your momma loves you and misses your beautiful self.
    I love you, momma

    • Melanie, you and my mother Debi R. were really good friends growing up and I know Davey…I just want to let you know that I keep praying for you daily and I am so sorry this happened. It was the last thing anyone needed, especially you… I’m just so sorry… I wish there was more I can do but I send my condolences and I know my mom does too …

  43. Ashley
    We spent many years together and have some wonderful times I’m so thankful for the times and most of all the 3 beautiful kids we brought into this world. We didn’t talk much anymore but that doesn’t mean I didn’t think about you and I will never forget my first love ❤️ Until We meet again ❤️❤️❤️

  44. Coming to grips with this day has been one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, knowing that I can never hear your voice or see that beautiful smile or hear that laugh that just carries throughout a room, it’s hard! I miss you, nothing and no one could ever take your place. You meant the world to me, you were irreplaceable, and always will be. Missing you in my heart, mind and soul, you were truly one one of a kind. So on this day this world is alot dimmer because it lost a beautiful soul, and I get it, God’s will, will always be done, but honestly I just wished he allowed her more time here. I don’t know if any of this makes senses, I just miss her. I will miss you forever, more than words can say. So until we meet again, I will treasure all my memories of you each and every day, I will keep your voice in my heart and spirit. You were and always be a beautiful amazing woman. I will miss you Ash!!

  45. Thinking of Ashley, her family, friends, and all of the people that will miss the her and all that she brought to this place. May you receive the love and support that you need on this journey.

  46. I’ve been searching for the perfect words since the minute I found out you were gone and they still haven’t come. We grew up together and spent a lot of time together when we were little but over the years we grew apart. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you but I’m so glad the last time I did I had the chance to tell you how I proud I was of you. Life wasn’t easy for you but you never let that get in the way of being the sweetest and kindest soul. You always looked out for others and lit up any room you walked into. Your infectious smile and laugh will be something I hold close forever. I pray for your family and hope they continue to feel your love for the days to come. Until I see you again friend 💜

  47. Conard family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Ashley went to high school and VBS at Starnes Cove with my daughter Natalie. Love and prayers, Sonya (Poss) Warren and Natalie Morris.

  48. I remember seeing you for the first time and hearing you share where you were at in life at that point in your life , I remember you being so passionate to create more for yourself and then I watched you take off 6 years since. You were such a kind soul and it breaks my heart to know the worlds lost you. I hope heavens everything you always knew it would be. Rest with the angels sweet girl.

  49. Prayers for Ashley’s family and friends. We are so saddened to hear this heartbreaking news. She was a sweet, beautiful girl who will be missed by all who knew her. Rest in Heavenly peace…..


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide