Ashlynn Ember Williams

Ashlynn Ember "Bob" Williams, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 20. She was born on January 16, 2006, in Topeka, Kansas, and in her brief but remarkable life, she made a lasting impression through her compassion, humor, and vibrant spirit.

Bob was extraordinary in the way she challenged the world. Her personality was bigger than her physical self; she had a way of lighting up a room the moment she entered. She always had a story to share, carried a unique sense of humor, and met life with a witty, sarcastic charm that those who loved her will never forget. She was, in every sense, a whirlwind—bright, unforgettable, and wholly herself.

She graduated from Washburn Rural High School and went on to pursue work that reflected her caring heart. Bob was a phlebotomist in the healthcare industry, and she had a true passion for helping people. She especially loved being creative with children and valued her recent role in child development, working with special needs children. Her care for others was not simply something she did; it was part of who she was.

That generosity showed itself early. When Bob was about seven years old, she learned in school about a tornado that destroyed an elementary school in Oklahoma. She had been saving for a toy of her own, but after hearing of the tragedy, she chose instead to send her money to those in need and even donated her own toys to the Red Cross to help the children affected. It was a tender and telling reflection of the kindness that would remain with her throughout her life.

Ember found joy in creativity and in the small, memorable things that made life beautiful. She loved art, poetry, calligraphy, knitting, cooking, and music. She adored cats, loved her grandmother's sweatshirts, and pink was her obsession. She enjoyed collecting rocks, playing cards and board games, and tormenting those around her with her random-facts knowledge.  Bob brought comfort, laughter, color, and warmth to those fortunate enough to know her. More than anything, she loved being the baby sister.

She is survived by her father, Matthew Williams; her mother, Kimberly Riggin (Jared Knapple); her brother, Michael Riggin (Mikayla); her sister, Maddie Williams; her step-sisters, Ivy, Olive, and Violet; her step-brother, Cosmo; her maternal grandparents, Steve and Verna Riggin, and paternal grandfather, Ray Thurlow. She was deeply loved by her family, and her place among them was treasured.

Bob was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Dironda Thurlow.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, Kansas 66610. The family invites you to join them in a small gathering following the service.

Bob "Ashlynn Ember" Williams will be remembered for her generous heart, her bright mind, her creativity, and the unmistakable energy she brought wherever she went. Her life was filled with feeling, individuality, and love, and her memory will continue to live on in the stories shared, the laughter recalled, and the many lives she touched.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Helping Hands Humane Society.