Ashley Brooke Trautwein, 27

Ashley Brooke Trautwein, 27, of Kalispell, died Monday, May 21, 2012, in Kalispell.

Ashley was born Nov. 18, 1984, in Minot, N.D. She moved with her parents to Columbia Falls in June of 1993, where she attended public school.

From a young age she had a love of horses. She eventually got her own horse and took English riding lessons. She had been involved in riding competitions at Herron Park.

It was evident from the time that she started to talk that she had a way with words. This developed into a talent for writing. She was attending Flathead Valley Community College to further her interest in journalism. Ashley had been involved with the FVCC newspaper, as well as drama.

After giving birth to her dear son with the assistance of a midwife, she became interested in assisting women with childbirth. She had taken instruction and training for becoming a doula, and had recently started her own doula service.

Survivors include her son, Columbia Brown, of Kalispell; parents, Ulrich and Teryl Trautwein, of Kalispell; and other special family.

She will be greatly missed.

Cremation has taken place. A private memorial service was held at the home of her parents.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Ashley’s family.