Ashlyn Elizabeth Darling

Ashlyn Elizabeth Darling, 13, of Santa Claus, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Ashlyn had the most loving, kindhearted, beautiful spirit. She never met a stranger and had plenty of hugs for everyone. She loved to read and was happiest when playing with her Little People and LOL dolls, who all had names and stories, thanks to her vivid imagination. Even though she experienced tremendous pain, discomfort, weakness, and hair and hearing loss from cancer and the resulting treatment, she never complained and kept her smile and sunny disposition.

She was born on May 14, 2009, in Louisville, Kentucky, to John and Rebecca (Hooe) Darling. She is preceded in death by her father, John Samuel Darling; and sister, Lyric Darling.

Ashlyn is survived by her loving mother, Rebecca J. Darling; second dad, Dennis Jacobs; siblings, Diane McNew, Koie Darling, Jonathan (Kendra) Darling, Crystal Darling, Elizabeth (Jorge) Felico, Jacqueline Darling, Angel Darling, Tiffany Darling, Kaitlyn Darling, Amanda Darling, Rebecca Jo Darling, Zachariah Darling, Leondais Darling, Michelle Darling, and Patricia Darling; and nieces and nephews, Ellie and Eli Darling and Desmond and Emma Felico.

Ashlyn always received loving care from her sisters, brothers, in-laws, nieces, and nephews throughout her illness. She was always concerned for her mom and would say, "Don't cry, Mom, we will get through this together" and assured her mom that she loved her the most.

Ashlyn's family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Miki, Hope, and all the nurses at Norton Children's Cancer Institute in Louisville; Erin and Brett for massage and music therapies; and Jenni Brown and Allison Vanover with Bree's Blessings for the gift boxes. Thanks also to all staff, teachers, and friends at Heritage Hills Middle School; Nancy Hanks and Henryville Elementary; Santa Claus United Methodist Church; and the Santa Claus community for loving and supporting Ashlyn as she bravely battled cancer.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at Santa Claus United Methodist Church (351 North Holiday Boulevard, Santa Claus, Indiana). Her Funeral Service will be at 5:00 p.m. CST on Wednesday at Santa Claus United Methodist Church.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions in Ashlyn's memory be made to Kid's Cancer Alliance (611 W. Main St., #300, Louisville, KY 40202).

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