Ashley Marie Johnson, 31, of Emporia, KS, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2026. Ashley was born July 29, 1994, at Emporia, KS, the daughter of Rodney and Lori (O'Mara) Johnson. Ashley grew up in Gridley, KS.

Ashley attended Southern Coffey County Schools, graduating from high school in 2012. While in high school, she played sports and held many student offices. She played in band all four years. One of her cherished memories was participating in the Southern Coffey County Honor Flight. Ashley graduated from Emporia State University in December 2025, with a bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies. She was a member of the Emporia State Jazz Band and played in the Emporia Municipal Band. Ashley worked at Flint Hills Technical College in Emporia as the director of admissions, and was a member of the Kansas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (KACRAO), the primary professional organization for admissions in Kansas. Recently, Ashley began a new position with The Kansas State Board of Indigents' Defense Services in Topeka, which provides legal representation to adults that are charged with felonies who cannot afford an attorney.

Ashley dedicated her life to helping others and could always see the best in people, even when they couldn't. Her college graduation party theme summed up how she was always trying to make an impact for positive change in herself and others, "Grow as You Go." Her family and friends will remember Ashley for her radiating laughter, joy, creativity, and love of music, puzzles, plants, hiking, mushroom hunting, and riding roller coasters. Ashley's love for music was a part of her entire life, playing the saxophone, clarinet and piano. Ashley also loved animals and demonstrated that by fostering many animals when no one else would.

Ashley is survived by family who love her: parents Rodney and Lori Johnson, brother Brier (Holli) Johnson, sister Callie (Brome) Johnson, nieces Bryn and Perry Johnson, grandparents Patricia Johnson and Ned and Diane O'Mara, and her beloved dog, Nala, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Ashley is preceded in death by grandparents Connie and Mike Sherwin, grandfather Garold Johnson, and her beloved dog, Max.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. on June 5, 2026, at Jones Funeral Home, 801 Garrettson St. Burlington, KS 66839. Officiating will be Pastor Andrew Hulburt from Lamont Wesleyan Church. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Gridley Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Southern Coffey County Honor Flight in care of Jones Funeral Home.