Ashly L. Nupdal

It is with heavy hearts we say goodbye to our sweet girl Ashly.  Ashly Lynn Nupdal, 35, Grand Forks, ND, died Saturday, January 13, 2018 at home after courageously battling breast cancer. Ashly, the daughter of Rod and Kristi (Ronkowski) Nupdal, our Christmas miracle, was born December 25, 1982 at Grafton, North Dakota. She attended Holy Family Catholic Elementary School and graduated from Red River High School. During her formative years, Ashly was always full of life and involved in numerous athletic organizations, band, choir, and committed to her faith. Her love of sports led her to a lifelong career of coaching and positively directing young athletes. Ashly attended Concordia of St. Paul where she was on the soccer, basketball, and dance teams. Because of her love of sports, Ashly became a certified trainer with the National Federation of Professional Trainers, as well as a nutritionist.  She was caregiver for her nephew and godson, Leo.  Ashly was employed as a residential staff supervisor by the Step House in Grand Forks.  She also believed in the importance of helping the underprivileged through fund raising and community awareness including organizing the event “Get Down 2 Get on Up” which raised money for Stable Days Youth Ranch and Step House as well as performing in concerts dedicated to breast cancer awareness. Ashly’s greatest passions were definitely her love of music, all things to do with art, and spending time with friends and family, especially her niece and nephews. She performed with several local bands: Moonshine Red, High Five, Sister Soul and the Family Band. But she was especially proud of her involvement with her band, The Dank. Ashly is survived by her parents, Rod and Kristi Nupdal, Grand Forks; a brother, Nicholas (Sarah) Nupdal and their children, Emerson and Roman, Fargo, ND, and Lindsay (Grant) Thorfinnson, and their son, Leo, Grand Forks, ND; her maternal grandmother, Mary Ronkowski, Grand Forks; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her dog, “Blue”. She was preceded in death by grandparents, Thor and Frieda Nupdal, Ray Ronkowski, her uncle and godfather, Gary Nupdal, and her aunt, Carol Kliniske. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1018 18th Ave. South, Grand Forks. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 19, 2018 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Grand Forks.