On Feb. 10, 2015, Ashley Alana Martin, entered into eternal rest while working for the U.S. Dept. of State in Bangkok, Thailand on a temporary assignment.

The beloved daughter of Earl and Sandria K. Martin, Ashley was born on Jan. 14, 1980, in Houston, Texas. She was christened in the Catholic Church and attended Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary while visiting home.

A 1998 honor graduate of LaGrange High School, she was a member of the Debate Team, National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl and Track team. After high school, she enrolled at Northeastern State University, Monroe, La., to pursue a pharmacy degree. However, Ashley realized she wanted more hands on training in the medical field. She entered LSU-Shreveport Allied Health Science Center and earned a B.S. degree as Physician Assistant (PA) in 2003. In 2006, she earned a M.S. PA-C through the University of Nebraska and was currently enrolled in the Ph.D. program with Arizona School of Health Sciences. Ashley''s career as a PA-C began directly after graduation in 2003 with U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs, Lafayette, La.

In 2005, Ashley worked for the U.S. Dept. of Defense and was assigned to Germany.

By the year 2009, she was employed by the U.S. Dept. of State, based in Washington, D.C. She became the youngest (29 years) PA-C hired. Her first assignment was at the American Embassy, Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Upon her return to D.C. she was assigned to the American Embassy at Manama, Bahrain.

Preceding Ashley in death are maternal grandparents, Hilda C. Kaough and Samuel Kaough; paternal grandmother, Mary Martin; brother, Gregory K. Martin; and beloved cat, Olivia.

In addition to her parents, Ashley is survived by her brother, Jeffrey W. Martin; niece, Michelle Cerf; special mom, Ruby D. Martin; very special friend, Michael Washington; aunt, Sheila Clay; special cousin, Arpege. Also, two great-aunts, Margaret Jackson and Vivian Kellam; two great-uncles, Eugene Kaough and Joe Ceasar; plus a host of cousins and friends.

Additionally, she will be greatly missed by her two cats, Eleanor and Tater-Tot, who are being adopted by Ashley'' s parents.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Service date: March 4. 2015

A celebration of life is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2015, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at Combre Funeral Home.