Mourners say goodbye to Ashley

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This article was published 10/11/2009 (6122 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

BRANDON — It was an overwhelming scene of community support as 1,100 people gathered Monday to say goodbye to 21-year-old Ashley Neufeld.

A memorial service for the popular university softball player — who drowned last week with two friends when their jeep plunged into a pond in North Dakota — was held at Central United Church. Family and friends reflected on Ashley’s smile and passionate personality.

"She brightened up the room, or any dugout when she was there," said friend Nicole Bendana.

Ashley was a talented softball player who played for the Dickinson State University Blue Hawks.

The bodies of Ashley and teammates Afton Williamson, 20, and Kyrstin Gemar, 22, were found in a Jeep submerged in a pond northwest of Dickinson, N.D. last week.

Police believe the young women inadvertently drove into the pond while they were driving stargazing.

Dressed in their team jerseys, members of DSU’s softball and baseball teams attended the Brandon service. Guy Fridley, who coached Ashley at DSU, spoke of how she excelled both on and off the ball diamond.

"With that infectious smile and outstanding play on the field, I knew we had a champion," he said.

The words "live, laugh, love" were printed on the program, something Phil Neufeld says describes his daughter perfectly.

Claire and Lenny Gemar, parents of Kyrstin, made the trip to Brandon for the memorial from their home in San Diego.

"Kyrstin and Ashley were great friends," Lenny said. "(Ashley) was like another daughter to us."

Phil Neufeld and wife Bev said a few words of thanks at the end of the service. "To see and feel the support from both of Ashley’s homes …is what has pulled us through this," Bev said.

 

— Brandon Sun