Ashley Jean O'Rear

April 27, 1987 - November 24, 2001

Her absence hurts so much because
her presence brought so much joy.


This page will chronicle the attempts made by those who knew and loved Ashley to preserve her sweet memory in some very tangible ways.

(Click on any of the following links to see detailed information in the table below.)

Waxahachie Civic Center Junior High Tree Ashley's Swing
Lake Ashley O'Rear Crape Myrtles  

On Sunday, June 30, 2002, Susan, Justin and I were at Iron Springs Christian Camp near Whitney, Texas, for the beginning of our one-week session of church camp. This is the same session that Ashley had attended for several years, and at which Susan and I have served as counselors for several years.

On Sunday night, the Camp Director (Buddy Fry, a dear friend and Christian brother) assembled all campers and staff members together to make a special presentation. After several very touching comments about Ashley and about our family, a beautiful handmade wooden porch swing was unveiled with the words "Ashley's Swing" inscribed into the wooden backrest. It was dedicated in Ashley's memory, and placed on the cafeteria porch where campers often congregate before and after meals.

Later in the week, a special plaque was mounted on the swing proclaiming that the swing was dedicated in Ashley's memory. The plaque even has Ashley's picture on it.

This is a very fitting memorial to Ashley, and one which touches our hearts deeply. Ashley absolutely loved summer camp, and many wonderful memories were made at Iron Springs. As she did everywhere she went and with everyone who knew her, Ashley made an impact on the lives of many of her fellow campers and counselors.

(These pictures were taken on July 1, 2003, during our summer camp session at Iron Springs. The fourth picture is of Susan and me sitting in Ashley's Swing. The fifth picture is of some of the campers enjoying the swing.)


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