Ashley Ann Kunkel

Ashley Ann Kunkel, 35, passed away at 6:25 a.m., Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at her home.

Ashley was born on Tuesday, October 20, 1987, in Herrin to Earl Anthony and Cheryl Ann (Smith) Pate II. She was the youngest daughter of four girls. Ashley married her high school sweetheart, William Paul Kunkel on October 31, 2009. They shared almost 14 years of marriage together. Their love for one another will live on forever.

Ashley was a 2006 graduate of Johnston City High School. She was the founder of the ghost hunting team, SIGHS (Southern Illinois Ghost Hunting Society) and loved every minute of it. She was also a member of the Benton Eagles. Ashley was of the Christian faith.
Ashley was a mother who loved her children and would do anything for them. She enjoyed singing karaoke, writing poetry, drawing, and spending time outdoors.

Ashley is survived by her husband, William Kunkel; children, Ares Draven Kunkel and Pandora Rose Kunkel; parents, Earl and Cheryl Pate II; three sisters, Heather (Clint Borcky) Davison, Nichole (Tom) Petrovich, and Amber (Josiah) Banks; nieces, Gabba (Christian) Davison, Emma Musso, Kaidence and Sophia Banks; nephew, Jace Pate; aunts, Billie Jo Weir, Charlene Striclin, Michelle Reed; uncles, David Smith and Jon Reed; father and mother-in-law, Paul and Lisa Kunkel; special family members, Courtney and Luna Smith, Lindsey Triplett, Andrea Casey and Monica Staley.

She is preceded in death by her aunt, Donna Jean Smith; maternal grandparents, Zackery Smith and Beulah Reed; paternal grandparents Earl Anthony Pate and Virginia Pate. She is also preceded in death by several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 29, 2023, at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Josiah and Amber Banks officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City.
Visitation was 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.
Ashley requested for those attending the service to wear what your most comfortable in and to bring a sticker to leave on her casket.