It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Ashley Gwen First Charger on December 20th, 2022. She passed away on the Blood Reserve surrounded by her family. Ashley was born on April 20th, 1984 at the Cardston Regional Hospital to the late Michael Rabbit and wife Lorraine Rabbit. She was the second grand daughter to the late Sr. Jerry First Charger and the late Bernice First Charger. In her early years, she grew up at the old house which was right beside her grandparents. Ashley was a kipitaipoka, her parents loved her very much but they could also see the love and bond she shared with her grandma and grandpa. So one day she packed up her bags and walked over to her grandparents where she would spend the rest of her youth lol. Ashley graduated from Cardston High School in 2003. She had the opportunity to work with a youth task force as a summer job that same year and travelled to Toronto. Later on she left for Calgary and that's when she eventually met the late Bobby Morning Owl. They joined the carnies and travelled throughout the states and Canada. When they left the carnies, they decided to stay in Toronto. In 2005 when her grandma Bernice got sick, she decided to come back home so she could spend them with her grandma. Shortly after, she had her daughter Aaliyah. Ashley adored and loved her daughter Aaliyah. They had a special bond that only a mother and daughter shared. Aaliyah is set to graduate in June 2023 and she was so excited and proud for her daughter. Ashley worked alongside her mom Lorraine as a housekeeper for many years in Pincher Creek and Waterton. She was always willing to help her mom when she needed it. Whether it be help cleaning the house or taking a drive with her into town. Although she was the second oldest, Ash was very protective of her siblings. Especially with Mitchell who was her only Brother. Her sisters and brother could count on her when they needed her. She would always lend a listening ear when you needed it. Ashley was known as Auntie/Mom to her nieces and nephews. She loved and cared for each one of them. She could never say no to them and they knew that. Oftentimes when she would take them to the store with her, they would go crazy on snacks or toys and she would always give in because she could not say no to them. If grandma or their mom would say no, they would walk right over to their auntie/mom so they would get their way. She was always willing to help with them and was so excited every time she saw them. She had a way with her nieces and nephews and her bond with each of them was so loving and sweet. Ashley was just like her dad, friendly and kind. She was always saying hello to people and giving them hugs or shaking their hand. Even if she didn’t know them that well she would always introduce herself and make sure to ‘Hi’. Ashley is survived by daughter Aaliyah Morning Owl, mother Lorraine Rabbit, her grandmother Olive First Charger, her siblings Michelle (Lee), Mitchell, Emma, MJ (Drake) Nieces; Kyra and Alayna, Nephews; Latrell, Phoenix, Tyce, Lane and Charlton aunties; Mary (Alatise) Atoa, Margaret Weasel Bear, Sylvia Spotted Bull, Beverly Rabbit, Frances (ED) GVB, Roxanne First Charger, Uncles; Norman (Stacey) Black Plume, Wayne Day Chief, Ryan First Charger, J.J. (Meghan) First Charger, Tim Shot Both Sides, great aunties; Cothilda First Charger, Agnes First Charger, great uncles; Joe (Helen) Spotted Bull, Clark (Barbara) Spotted Bull, Man Spotted Bull, Alvin Spotted Bull, Mike Spotted Bull. We are very saddened to let our dear Ashley go but are comforted knowing that family who have passed on will welcome her with open arms; Aaliyah’s father Bobby Morning Owl, Dad Michael Rabbit, grandparents Jerry S. First Charger, Bernice First Charger, Celina Hairy Bull, Joseph Rabbit, uncles; Andrew Rabbit, Curtis Rabbit, James Rabbit, Joseph Rabbit, Robert Rabbit, Homer Rabbit, Phillex First Charger Aunties; Jodi, Brenda and numerous family that have passed on.
The Wake Service will be held at The Tanner Center, Cardston, AB on Thursday, January 5 from 6:00 - 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, South Hill Chapel, (950 Main St) Cardston on Friday, January 6 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Rabbit Family Cemetery.v
The Wake Service will be held at The Tanner Center, Cardston, AB on Thursday, January 5 from 6:00 - 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, South Hill Chapel, (950 Main St) Cardston on Friday, January 6 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Rabbit Family Cemetery.v