Ashlee Danielle Van Dyk

     Ashlee Danielle (Hochstedler) Van Dyk passed away on February 17, 2026 in Nevada, Missouri. She was born on May 8, 1992, to Paul and Cynthia (Hackleman) Hochstedler and was the second of two children born to their marriage.

    Ashlee was a gentle, often shy soul with a naturally calm presence. Throughout her life, she carried grief that few should ever have to bear, having experienced profound loss and tragedy. Yet she never allowed that pain to harden her heart. Instead, she remained kind, compassionate, and deeply loyal. Ashlee was the friend and family member who showed up—whether to celebrate life's joys or to support others in their darkest moments—even when her own soul felt hurt and broken. She loved fiercely and wholly, and her loyalty to those she cared for was unwavering.

    Ashlee devoted much of her life to caring for others through her work in health care. She spent 11 years employed by the State of Missouri, serving developmentally disabled adults with compassion and dedication. She later attended Crowder College, graduating as a Licensed Practical Nurse in May 2023. Throughout her career, Ashlee worked in many specialties and touched countless lives, but her most meaningful work was in mental health and hospice care—where her empathy and gentle spirit shone brightest. Ashlee had plans to continue advancing her nursing career and intended to return to Crowder College to pursue her Registered Nurse degree in the coming years.

    On July 26, 2021, Ashlee married the love of her life, Riaan. God brought two wounded souls together so they could heal, love, and grow side by side. Though some may interpret their story differently, their love was real and profound. Ashlee and Riaan left this world knowing what pure, loyal, and forgiving love felt like in a partner—something neither had experienced before. They cherished quality time above all else: time with the children still living at home, time spent with adult children and grandchildren, and time building a beautiful life together while dreaming of the future they were planning.

    Ashlee is survived by her children, Rylee Harper and Colton; her stepchildren, Alexis Van Dyk (Ben), Lotus Van Dyk, Anthony "Blaze" Van Dyk, and Krager Van Dyk; her parents, Paul and Cynthia Hochstedler; her brother, Jeremy Hochstedler (Lydia); and her grandchildren by marriage: Carter Prentice, Sophie Herbst, Wilhelmina Welborn, Skylar Welborn, Ella Welborn, Brenli Welborn, Briar Welborn, and Becklynn Welborn. She is also survived by her aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

    Ashlee was preceded in death by her soulmate, Riaan; their babies born sleeping, who will be placed in their arms once more; her maternal grandfather, Thomas Hackleman; her paternal grandmother, Emily Hochstedler; her paternal grandfather, William Hochstedler; her great-uncle, Larry L. Hackleman, who was killed in the Vietnam War; and her maternal great-grandparents, Bertram and Belva Hackleman.

     A Visitation will be held from 1:00pm-3:00pm. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada, MO.

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