Ashley Welke

Ashley Marie Bergquist Welke was born in Waupun, WI, on October 30, 1987. She lived in various cities in Wisconsin (including Cambria and Baraboo, graduating from Baraboo high school in 2006).  She moved to Madison in 2008 and became a fiercely devoted East-Sider. She graduated from Madison College’s Cosmetology Program in 2014 and began working as a Nail Artist in 2016 at Midwest Beauty House, upon its opening. Ashley was an avid Moka customer and a strident Target fan.

Ashley is survived by her amazing daughter Mavis, her mother Tari (fiancé Scott), her brother Joel, her sister Amie, and Mavis’s father Joe, her partner Patrick, and her beloved dog Bella. She is also survived by countless friends, clients, neighbors, and community members. Ashley was preceded in death by her father Thomas, her uncle Scott, and her nephew Miles.

In her work, Ashley was creative, bold, innovative, and meticulous. She was always her own harshest critic, even though what she was able to create in her nail artistry was nothing short of amazing. Her work was sought-after, coveted, often imitated, but never duplicated. She was truly an artist. But she was also a bright, darling, sweet, gentle, and kind person.  Ashley was truly something special.

As a friend, Ashley was magnetic. You didn’t pick Ashley; she picked you. Being around her felt warm, and she had an electricity about her that you couldn’t describe. Every day with her was an adventure. For every moment that you shared with her that was free and wild, there were equal moments of peace and calm. As she grew into herself and into her adulthood, her favorite places were either in the comfort of her home or out making magical moments with her daughter, Mavis. From the time that she was young, Ashley only ever wanted to be a mother.

Ashley’s love for Mavis truly shone through every fiber of her being. While sharing some small and cute anecdote about Mavis, she would stop, look off, and then say, “I am so lucky to be her mom.” Ashley as a mother was truly something beautiful to behold. And she took every moment and experience with Mavis to heart.  Ashley began to grow into her own sense of purpose and strength as a mother and a woman. She was devoted to being the mother that Mavis deserved, and because of that, also became stronger and more resolute in her own identity.

Ashley finally succumbed after an incredible fight against osteosarcoma, surrounded by some of those who loved her most, on March 18, 2021. Those who love her are still reeling from the loss, and the impact of a life without Ashley still hasn’t really sunk in for most of us. What we do know is that to have known Ashley was to have fallen madly in love with her, and now our job is to bring beauty, laughter, color, and kindness into the world around us, in the same way that she did. We will honor her memory and legacy through fierce love and gratitude for small pleasures and finding strength in our own vulnerability.

Visitation only will be from 2-4:00 PM on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Cress Funeral Home, 3325 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53704.   There will be no formal service during this time.