Connie Ashland
d. November 1, 2012
Connie Ashland born April 9, 1955, in Rapid City, SD, to Alvin Graff (deceased) and Adala Weins at St. John's Hospital. She passed away on November 1, 2012, in St. George, UT, after a long battle with Diabetes. She left behind a daughter, Kristy Mets (Sean), two grandchildren Iley M. Mets and Sean Mets Jr., mother Adala Graff, brother Dr. Randy Graff and sister Karen Bourbon (Steve). Her nieces and nephews are Dr. Gretchen Kreizenbeck (Grant), Chris Graff, Kandra (Brad) Swenson and Brent Bourbon, great-nephew William Kreizenbeck and great-niece Heidi Kreizenbeck.
Connie received her Bachelor's degree from the University of South Dakota and then later completed her Master's Degree at Grand Canyon University. She was a Special Education teacher for over 30 years. She loved teaching and she loved all her students. Connie wanted to make a difference in a child's life.
She was the greatest Mother and Grandmother who loved her daughter and grandchildren. She was the best sister we could have. Connie was the most loving and giving person Her life was constantly busy and she always had a project going. Everyone knew of her wonderful Cinnamon Rolls and German Chocolate Cake.
Even with her disease, upon retirement she fulfilled her dreams of moving somewhere warm. She lived her last years in St. George, UT. She was very independent and loved all of her fruit trees and enjoyed working in her yard. She loved the sunny days in Utah. She was small in size but larger than life. Her passion was helping others so she asked that a donation be sent to Story Book Island in Rapid City, South Dakota, in her name so she can continue to bring happiness to all who go there.
Special thanks to Jim, Diane, neighbors, and everyone in St. George who looked after her and helped her after becoming critically ill. You will all be remembered and the family thanks you beyond words.
Connie is with the Angels now as she truly was an Angel on earth. I'm sure she will be looking down on all of us. We will not forget this tiny, blonde, sweet, kind, hardworking lady. We all love you Connie.