Ashlee Ann Empey Stoddard

Ashlee was born and raised in Idaho Falls. She attended White Pine Charter School, Summit Hills Elementary and Rocky Mountain Middle School. She graduated from Thunder Ridge High School in 2022, forming many friendships and memories that stayed with her throughout her life.

Family meant everything to Ashlee. Growing up, she spent a lot of time in Swan Valley where she was surrounded by cousins who were also her closest friends. Many days were spent doing craft projects with grandma and riding horses and four wheelers with grandpa. Sledding behind the snowmobile was one of her favorite things to do with grandpa. No matter how fast he went, it was never quite fast enough. You could hear “Faster, Grandpa, faster!”— followed by her endless giggles.

Ashlee loved spending time at the family ranch. She learned at an early age that you can work hard and have fun at the same time. She spent endless hours there building memories with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

One of the moments that shaped Ashlee’s heart the most happened when she was just eight years old—when she became an aunt for the first time. Being an aunt wasn’t just a title to her; it was something she truly cherished. She loved spending time with her niece and nephew, RaeLynn and Degan. Ashlee had a natural way of making them feel loved and important, and they brought her so much happiness.

Growing up, Ashlee loved being active and spending time with friends, and one of the things she especially enjoyed was playing softball. Many summers were spent traveling to tournaments with her team and coaches, who she loved so much. Being part of a softball team gave her the chance to laugh, compete, and make memories with so many cherished friends. Those who played with her remember her positive attitude, determination, and the fun she brought to the game. For Ashlee, it was all about friendships and being together as a team.

One of the greatest blessings in Ashlee’s life was her best friend, Kailey. The two were inseparable—kindred spirits who understood each other without needing words. Together they shared countless laughs, adventures, and heartfelt conversations that formed a bond people spend a lifetime searching for. Their friendship was a beautiful example of loyalty and unconditional love.

Ashlee’s desire to care for others led her into the medical field. She earned her Medical Assisting Certificate in May of 2024. She worked as a medical assistant at Family First Medical, where patients and coworkers quickly grew to love her gentle spirit and compassion. She had a natural ability to make people feel loved. Patients appreciated the way she listened and cared, and her coworkers loved the positivity she brought to work each day. Helping people was something that truly mattered to her.

Her dream of serving others did not stop there. She was enrolled in the nursing program at College of Eastern Idaho, working toward becoming a registered nurse. She was excited about the future. She worked hard in her studies because she wanted to help others and make a difference in their lives. She was dedicated to learning and growing.

One of the happiest moments in Ashlee’s life came just one year ago when she married the love of her life, Caleb Stoddard. Their marriage was filled with love, laughter, and plans for the future. They were building a life together, sharing dreams, supporting one another, and creating a home filled with faith and happiness. Their time together, though shorter than anyone hoped, felt like a lifetime of love wrapped in a few perfect moments. Ashlee didn’t just love her husband, Caleb—she loved his family deeply as well. They welcomed her with open arms, and she cherished them in return. She adored his nieces and nephews just as much as her own, and his family meant everything to her.

Ashlee loved the temple and the peace she felt there. Being sealed to Caleb meant everything to her and was a beautiful reflection of the faith that guided her life.

Ashlee’s parents remember even when she was young, it was clear that she had a gentle and nurturing heart. That same kindness she showed as a child became the compassion she showed to people throughout her life. They are so proud of the woman she became—someone who worked hard, loved deeply, and stayed strong in her faith.

I would like to share a comforting thought from Russell M. Nelson:

“Because of Jesus Christ, we will all live again. Because of Him, families can be together forever.”

That sacred promise is a reminder to all of us that families are not meant to be together for just this life, but for eternity. We are grateful for the memories we shared with her—the laughter, the quiet moments, and the example she set of faith. While Ashlee’s time on earth was far too short, the love she gave continues to live on in the hearts of her husband Caleb, her parents Amy and Danny, and the many family and friends who love her. She brought 21 years of laughter, passion, and light into our lives. She leaves behind family, friends, and loved ones who will miss her dearly, but who find comfort in the memories they shared and in the faith that they will see her again.

“Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.”

Ashlee truly left those footprints in the lives of everyone who knew her, and she will always be remembered with love. Ashlee’s footprints will remain in our hearts always.