Ashley Marie Apodaca-Avila, 33, passed away on August 24, 2026, in Nevada, leaving behind a life defined by love, strength, determination, and an extraordinary devotion to her children.

Born in Nevada on November 4, 1992, after growing up in Las Vegas, Ashley, moved to Colorado. Ashley spent several years living in Colorado before eventually returning home to Nevada. Wherever life took her, Ashley carried with her an unmistakable light. Her family lovingly called her their “Sunshine,” a name that perfectly captured the bright, bubbly spirit she shared so freely with the people around her.

Above all else, Ashley was a mother.

Her children, Laila and Lia, were the center of her world, her greatest accomplishment, and her deepest source of pride. Ashley was a fiercely independent and devoted mother who put her girls before anything and anyone. Everything she worked toward, dreamed about, and hoped to accomplish was rooted in the life she wanted to create for them. The love she had for Laila and Lia was immeasurable, and being their mother was the role she treasured most.

Ashley was also a talented Executive Chef whose creativity came alive in the kitchen. She had a particular love for preparing Mexican cuisine and took tremendous pride in creating incredible dishes. At home, however, some of her most meaningful creations were inspired by her children. Knowing how much Laila and Lia loved Asian cuisine, Ashley often prepared Asian-inspired dishes especially for them; one of the countless ways she expressed her love through the things she did every day.

Ashley dreamed big, and she possessed the drive and determination to pursue those dreams. She was strong, independent, hardworking, and deeply compassionate. Her impact extended far beyond her own family. She had a natural instinct to recognize when someone needed love, encouragement, or support, and she went out of her way to provide it.

That compassion was especially evident in her outreach to victims of domestic abuse. Ashley offered support and kindness to people during some of their most difficult moments, using her own strength to help others find theirs. She made a positive impact on the lives around her every day, often simply by being exactly who she was: bright, loving, generous, and full of life.

Ashley leaves behind a family who loves her beyond words and who will carry her memory with them always. She is unbearably missed by her beloved children, Laila and Lia; her mother, Angelica. stepfather, Jose; her brother, Anthony; her sister, Alivia; her bonus brother, Christopher; her godmother, Lori; and her grandfather, Manuel, along with the many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and lives she touched throughout her 33 years.

She was preceded in death by her father, Francisco, and her grandmother, Marcella.

Though Ashley’s life was far too short, the love she gave was enormous. It lives on in the people she supported, the meals she created, the memories she made, and most profoundly, in Laila and Lia.

Ashley will forever be remembered as a loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, friend, chef, advocate, and above all, an extraordinary mother.

She was their Sunshine, and her light will never be forgotten.