Ashley Santos, 27, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away on July 21, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by determination, compassion, athletic excellence, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Born on February 27, 1999, in Fairfax, Virginia, to Nelson and Lourdes Santos, Ashley was a person whose kindness, resilience, and joyful spirit touched countless people throughout her life.
Ashley attended Naperville North High School in Naperville, Illinois, before continuing her education at Illinois State University, where she graduated with Honors. A gifted student-athlete, she built an impressive legacy as a Division I soccer player for Illinois State University from 2017 to 2021.
During her collegiate career, Ashley demonstrated exceptional leadership both on and off the field. Her dedication earned her numerous academic and athletic honors, including nominations for the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year Award, Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year recognition in 2020 and 2021, and two-time First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference selection.
She was also recognized as a CoSIDA Academic All-American Third Team honoree, CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team selection, recipient of the Missouri Valley Conference State Farm Good Neighbor Award, and the Dr. Charlotte West Scholar-Athlete Award, among many other achievements.
Ashley’s impact on Illinois State University soccer remains significant, as she continues to hold program records for most games started with 89 and most minutes played with 7,421.
After completing her education, Ashley began her professional career as a mathematics teacher at Atlee High School, where she inspired students through her patience, dedication, and passion for learning. She later transitioned into the technology industry, working as an Account Executive with Delinea for two years. In every position she held, Ashley was admired for her professionalism, integrity, and ability to build meaningful relationships.
Outside of her career, Ashley embraced life fully. She participated in football and soccer leagues throughout the Richmond area, enjoyed boxing and pickleball, and loved spending time outdoors. She found happiness in nature, staying active, and spending time with her beloved dogs.
Friends and loved ones remember Ashley as someone who had a special ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and supported. Her infectious smile, generosity, confidence, and optimism made her a source of inspiration to everyone around her.
Ashley was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Lourdes Santos; her grandparents, Egna and Gilberto Santos; and her cherished dog, Bailey.
She is survived by her loving father, Nelson Santos; her stepmother, Lindsey; her brothers, Andrew and Ryan; along with extended family members, close friends, former teammates, colleagues, students, and many others whose lives were changed by knowing her.
A visitation to celebrate Ashley’s life will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. Funeral services will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with a private burial afterward.
Although Ashley’s life ended far too soon, her legacy will continue through the many people she inspired. She lived with purpose, competed with passion, cared deeply for others, and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Ashley Santos will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by her family, friends, teammates, students, and the many communities she touched. May she rest in eternal peace.