Our beloved daughter, mother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, granddaughter and true friend was called away on November 9, 2024 in Billings, MT surrounded by family. Ashley was born on December 16, 1987 to Sophia Martell Youngman and Maurice Elk Sr in Poplar, MT. Ashley grew up in Riverside with her mom, stepdad Mitchell Youngman Sr, siblings and grandparents. She loved to listen to music, hangout with friends, and be with her papa and grandma-ma-ma. She attended Poplar schools until she departed to Montana Youth Challenge, and upon completion received her GED.
Ashley grew up watching and caring after her siblings. After the Montana Youth Challenge, she met Eugene Culbertson and from that union had two beautiful children, Sahnos and Carmen Culbertson. They later separated but remained friends. Thereafter, she met PJ Badbear whom she married, and from that marriage came her lovely son Mason Badbear. After the divorce, she later had more beautiful children, Megan Lemay and Riley Loegering.
She enjoyed helping all who asked, and was always looking forward to sharing memories with her friends and family. Including making tik toks with her brother Chauncey. She enjoyed working at Walmart with her mom in Williston, ND and after working at Tribal Express. Ashley was always proud of her kids, siblings, and cousins. She was always somewhere to be heard at her siblings’ graduations. She loved fashion and doing hair and make-up. She cherished memories with pictures and selfies with her children, family and friends. Was always uplifting anyone who came across her, not afraid to throw a compliment. She grew up in Riverside with her grandparents and loved spending time and learning from them. Family and friends were everything to her and no questions asked, always protecting. Anyone who’s had a conversation with her knew she had a great sense of humor like her brother Delmar and loved to make others laugh. Ashley was beautiful inside and out. Her jokes, beautiful smile, contagious laugh, caring heart, and good company will be forever missed.
She is survived by her mother, Sophia Martell, her step-dad, Mitch Youngman, her children; Sahnos and Carmen Culbertson, Mason Badbear, Megan Lemay and Riley Loegering; her siblings, Maurice (Tiffany) Elk, Chauncey Elk, Brandi Brown, Troy Brown Jr, Tommy Brown, Zandalie Martell, Boy Youngman, Samantha Youngman, Sasha Youngman, Mitchell Youngman Jr, William Youngman, Anthony Youngman; her aunts, Betty Martell, Midge Martell and Cheryl Martell; uncles Frank (Judy) Martell, Stanley (Latosha) Martell; her cousins Waylon (Connie) Youpee, Bernice (Michael) Jordan, Willard (Tsz Ling) White, Deven and Jasmine DeMarrias, Donovan Martell Jr, Dawn (Jessie) Martell, Elizabeth (Jeremy) Martell, Sabrina Martell, Wilma Martell, Dewayne Martell, Jessica Garcia, Tonetta (Orin) Cantrell, Roberta Not Afraid, Alfred Walking Eagle, Buddy Walking Eagle, Jack Walking Eagle, Chili Walking Eagle, Ida Walking Eagle, Frank Martell Jr, Cale (Klarissa) Martell, Cameron (Carly) Martell, Brandon Martell, Keandra Martell, Emma Martell, Heather Martell, Miles Boxer, Kristie Boxer, Lenny Boxer; nieces Alyssa Wiggins, Monica Solano, Courtney Martell, Tori Martell, Khloe Martell, Jhene Brown, Atarrah Brown, Samara DeCoteau, Mikayla DeCoteau, Arabella DeCoteau, Debra Pinkerton, Tamra Pinkerton, Julie Pinkerton, Zaeyanna Boxer; nephews, Preston Martell, Callin Martell, Justin Pinkerton, Tyler Jordan, Waylon Youpee Jr, Ramiro Solano Jr, Owen Cantrell, Tyson Elk, Xavier Elk, Kingsley Elk, Walter Elk, Derrick Frislie Jr, Sonny Frislie, Chase Brown, De’Sean Brown, Israel Brown, Sincere Brown, Zandyn Beston, Xander Beston Jr, Easton Boxer, Weston Boxer, Sundown Boxer, Miles Boxer Jr; her grandmas Isabelle (Elizabeth) and Wilma Youngman.
And numerous extended families, we apologize if we missed anyone.
She is preceded in death by her great great grandma Sophia Martell and great great grandpa Charlie Martell; great grandma Emma Henderson, great grandpa Sahnos Henderson; grandma Roberta Martell; grandpa Dominic Floyd Martell; brother Delmar Martell; uncles Jack Martell, Floyd Martell; aunties Monica Martell-Walking Eagle, Lori Ann Martell; cousin Lisa Martell; dad Maurice Elk Sr, and numerous family and friends taken but not forgotten.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Verdis Grey Bull says
I am so sorry to hear of Ashley’s passing. Condolences to her family and friends. I’ve always liked her hugs and calling out to me, “Mail”. I will miss her.
Richelle says
Sorry for the loss to family and friends near and far love and guna miss you girl
Marian Montclair Johnson says
To The Ashley Elk Family She loved life, it showed when she was out and about. The Lord seen her suffering fighting for her life in the hospital, He came to take her home to Heaven. She was a good person, wanting to help all who asked her. May the Lord keep you all in His good graces by sending the Holy Spirit to comfort those in mourning. In Jesus name, we ask this in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
From Marian (Montclair) & Bruce Johnson & family
Katie Eagle says
Fly high my friend going to miss you condolences to the family and friends see you on the other side
Patrice Ironbear says
Condolences and prayers to her family 🌹🙏🏼
SHARYL KIRN says
Ashley was such a sweet beautiful girl I appreciate her life. I’m sending my condolences to her Mom n Dad and siblings.. I’m so happy she’s with Jesus now. See u in heaven my loving lil sister!!
Michelle Trottier says
Prayers and Condolences to Ashley’s family. She is now free of all her pain and suffering. May she rest in eternal peace.
Donald Boyd says
Sending Prayers And Deepest Condolences To The Elk And Martell Family In The Days Ahead R.I.P. Ashley..
Carmela Scott says
Condolences to my niece and family she stayed with me awhile to she will missed RIP until we meet again
David & Chong Ae Boyd says
Sophia and Mitch, our prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
Sioux glory and sponge says
My dear friend/sister Ashley breaks my chante to see you go rip fly high
Rhonda Clark says
RIP my beautiful cousin!! Chauncey is going to miss you!! Fly high!! I love you guys!! Give grandma Roberta and grandpa Dominick a hug for me!!
Amber yellow owl says
Sister I can’t believe you’re gone I’m gonna miss seeing you around especially miss A’amina you was her real daddy like you always use to tell adam .I know she will when she found out you was gone she cried so hard she was like mama I miss uncle Ashley my poor baby just cried and cried. you will be missed dearly cousin we love you with all our hearts from the yellow family areez, angel,A’amina and you’re walking eagle nephew Jeffery Jr fly high with the angels cousin🕊
Mandee buckles says
Condolences to your loved ones rest in paradise Ashley ♡
Vanessa Red star says
I’ma miss you but condolences to the family.. fly high beautiful angel. 🙏❤️
Sunshine Firemoon says
No More Pain…. Ashley. Always Looking Forward To Your Hugs…. Prayers For Your Family & Your Precious Babies. Gone But Not Forgotten, RIP Ashley.!!
Jordis Ferguson says
RIP Ashley. Hugs and love to the family and friends.
Nicole Longee says
RIP my Beautiful Girl Sure going to miss u I will remember all the good laughs and time together we had .And your not Suffering no more u with your Bros and Family.Sending my Condolences to Sophie and Mitch and Family And Ashley kids
Cowboy and Jolene Chopper-Jones says
Heaven has gained a beautiful angel. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chauncey and the rest of Ashley’s family during this difficult time. May she rest in Heavenly peace.
CJ says
Aww Ash you are deeply missed already love you my girl
Auntie, Cissy Eagleman says
Praying for God’s comfort to your Mama, Mitch, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and your kids.
Ash, sweetie, no more pain, sickness, worries or sadness. May you journey well. I know your family that has gone before you was there to walk with you, so you were not alone. I shall definitely miss seeing you. I love you hun.
Blossom Longee says
What a beautiful lady gone too soon. R.i.p. Ashley. My condolences and prayers to her family and friends 🙏🏾😔
Michelle Buckles says
Sophie she was beautiful inside an out I loved her like my own. I hope your ok soph, prayers for you
Veronica Severt says
Condolences to the family in your time of need. Prayers of strength. My heart goes out to all of the family and friends sending love and support to everyone. Ashley was a great friend and she will be greatly missed.
Amber Fisher says
My deepest condolences to Sophia Martell and family. If you need anything please let me know. I’m very sorry for your loss. She will be missed.