Ashley Marie Brustuen was born May 29, 1988 at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar to Stuart and Cindy (Hanson) Brustuen. She was baptized July 17, 1988 and confirmed on May 15, 2005, both at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, rural Appleton. Ashley attended Lac qui Parle Valley High School and graduated on May 28, 2006.Ashley enjoyed her dog, "Pups", cats sitting on her lap and being around people. Going to the Swift County Fair was an event she looked forward to. Seeing many friends, riding the Ferris wheel and the Merry-Go-Round were her highlights. Ashley loved to go to Camp Friendship with her brother. Just mention the word "snow" and she would grin from ear to ear. When getting ready in the morning she would listen for "Operation Snow Desk" and thoroughly enjoyed when school was delayed or cancelled, it didn't matter whose school it was.She had a great sense of humor and got great pleasure out of people's mistakes, goof-ups, and humorous happenings. When retelling of these events she would delight in it all over again. She always had a ready smile and very infectious laugh. She always caught on to jokes and comments that most people might have thought she wouldn't of. She was very sympathetic and would cry or be very concerned when seeing someone sad, unhappy, or sick. Ashley's life had many challenges and serious obstacles to overcome. She is greatly loved and deeply missed by her family.She is survived by her parents, Stuart and Cindy Brustuen, of Appleton; two siblings: Erin Brustuen of Sioux Falls, SD and Grant Brustuen of Appleton; her step-grandmother, Hazel Saienga of Lake Benton; three aunts: Vicky Boudreau of Dunnellon, Florida, Connie Saienga of Wayland, Massachusetts, and Marlene (Stan) Straley of Excelsior; three uncles: Shelby Brustuen of Seattle, Washington, Danny Hanson of Swanville, MN, and Scott (Charmaine) Hanson of Avon, MN; and several other relatives.She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Syver and Mildred Brustuen; maternal grandparents: Alden Hanson and Lavina Hasner Hanson Saienga; her step-grandfather, Raymond Saienga; and her cousin, Jennifer Phillips.
