Gone too soon, Ashley Anne Banton.
Born June 17th ,1987, passed peacefully at home September 9th, 2024, after cancer's unwelcome return.
Honoured wife of Chris Banton, irreplaceable mother of Robert Lee (RL) Mitchell Banton and Arabella Evelyn Banton. Treasured daughter of Robert Mitchell and Debbie Simpson, and peerless sister of Meghan Mitchell. Friendships spanning generations among her contemporaries, and lifetimes among her juniors.
Ashley Anne was born in Cochrane, Ontario, and moved to Guelph in 2003 to complete high school and attend the University of Guelph alongside her sister. Ashley Anne met the love of her life, Chris Banton, in 2006, marrying him in 2009, only months after graduation. RL and Arabella were born in Woodstock in 2013 and 2015, respectively.
Ashley Anne kept a warm and welcoming household, managing daily life and seeing to the children’s every need, while Chris traveled for work. She was the home of which Chris dreamed while burning diesel in different area codes.
She loved her friends fiercely and was magnetized in a way that brought people together. Whether it was in Woodstock or Sudbury, she developed and strengthened her community ties through work, volunteering, and later involvement in the Sudbury theatre scene.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Fielding Memorial Park, 345 Fielding Road, Lively on Saturday, September 28th at 3pm. Informal attire is strongly recommended.
Ashley Anne rekindled her love for and found her second home in the theatre. In lieu of flowers, it was her wish that donations be made to Yes Theatre or Sudbury Performance Group so that generations to come may find the same comfort and community.