Ashlei Ann Connolly was born on October 19, 1989, to Patrick Connolly and Laura Morris at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She attended East Buchanan schools, graduating with the class of 2008. Currenting she was employed as a Program Assistant for B & D Services in Independence, Iowa.

Anything pink and blingy, her cowboy boots, riding Harley motorcycles, the Green Bay Packers and the Hawkeyes, and her puppies named Jersey and Dancer, were some of Ashlei's favorite things. Her zest for life and contagious smile made her the center of all gatherings. She was a truly beautiful person on the inside as well as on the outside. Ashlei's beloved family and friends were the most important people in her life, as she often said, "I love you to the moon and back!".

At the age of 24 years, Ashlei entered her eternal life on December 31, 2013, following a car accident.

Preceding her in death, were her grandparents: John and Delores Connolly, and Nancy Yearous; and her great-grandmother, Fern Price. Survivors include her parents: Pat Connolly of Winthrop, IA, and Laurie and Rex Yearous of Independence, IA; her significant friend and love of her life: Jamie Helmrichs of Manchester, IA; her sisters and brothers: Patty Kane of Jesup, IA; Chrissy (Brett Corkery) Connolly of Winthrop; Nicky (Uriah Thomas) Hoveland of Independence; Rex Allen (Bobbie Jo) Yearous of Quasqueton; Jessie (Kelli) Connolly of Quasqueton; Kelly (Jason Palmer) Yearous of Independence; and Nickalas (Ashley Toale) Connolly of Independence; grandparents: Marvin and Beverly Morris of Quasqueton, and Paul Yearous of Independence; six nieces and seven nephews; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, January 3, 2014, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Fawcett Funeral Home in Winthrop and at the church one hour before the service. Ashlei's Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday, January 4, 2014, at 11:00 AM at the Quasqueton Union Church in Quasqueton with Pastor Kevin Jennings officiating. Burial will be in the Quasqueton Cemetery. Casketbearers will be: Ethan Connolly, Taylor Connolly, Jake Connolly, Josh Ohrt, Jacob Francois, Rusty Cornwell, Bo Yearous, Ben Klaren, and Jason Lux. Honorary Casketbearers will be: Tim Connolly, Tom Connolly, John Connolly, Jim Connolly, Nolan Michaelson, Mike Connolly, Jeff Morris, Darrell Morris, DeWayne Morris, Greg Simmons, Justin Klein, and Tim Cappel.

The Fawcett Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online consolations may be sent to: fawcettsfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Services Saturday at 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the Union Church in Quasqueton. Visitation from 4 PM until 8 PM Friday at Fawcett Funeral Home in Winthrop.