Jaycianna "Jayci" Ashley

Our beloved Jaycianna Marie Ashley passed away surrounded by her loving family on March 23, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics due to complications during her recovery from brain aneurysm surgery. Preceding her in death are her mother Jayna Birtcher Dozier, father Alan Niswander and grandparents Bill Birtcher, Beverly Birtcher, and Al Niswander. Jayci is survived by her husband Randy, children Chaseton (Chloe), Jinnacy (Jackson), and Aiden. Her brother Alex (Jill) Niswander and their children Sarah, Asa, Stanton, and Isaac, her sisters Jessica Farnsworth and family, Jennifer Ince and family, Kimberly Niswander, and brother James McArtor and family. Mother-in-law Krystal Ashley, sisters in law Valerie Ashley and family and Melody Ashley and family, and brother-in-law Noah Ashley and family. Grandmothers Barbara Birtcher and Shirley Niswander, and aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Jayci was born October 6, 1980, in Iowa City, Iowa to Alan and Jayna (Birtcher) Niswander. Jayci attended Perry High School until her senior year, then moving to Des Moines and graduating from Hoover high school on the honor roll. She was active in marching band and choir during her school years. Perry Iowa is also where Jayci met her high school sweetheart and love of her life Randy Ashley. They married on St. Thomas Island, U.S. Virgin Islands. They lived in Des Moines before settling in Ankeny where they raised their children Chaseton, Jinnacy, and Aiden. Jayci was passionate about being a mother, and building her own cleaning business allowed her to stay very involved in her children’s school and sports activities and with Randy’s loving support, to have the fulfilling family life she always wanted including all the children who found their way into her heart as extended family. Jayci cheered on the Iowa Hawkeyes, Dallas Cowboys, and the Kansas City Chiefs. She also enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. She got to see Rome and sail the Greek Islands, take in sunshine on the beaches of Mexico, went on Girl’s weekend trips with friends and cousins, took a road trip out west with her brother Alex, and her most recent trip was to Jamaica with Randy and their Friends Group where she had a ton of fun. Some of her at home interests were decorating her home with sayings, pictures, and other things that made her happy, a large selection of plants, several fish aquariums, cuddling with her dog Chief while watching horror shows and movies and the occasional reality series. She loved music of any kind, often singing along. Her latest hobby was finger knitting throws for family and friends. She especially enjoyed spending time with Randy and their Friends Group and any occasion she could dress up (Halloween was her favorite). She loved wearing her favorite jewelry and having tattoos that commemorated important events in her life. She enjoyed shopping and getting her nails done with her daughter and other special girls in her life. Jayci, you were dearly loved and we will miss you terribly. We were all better for having you in our lives. A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, May 3 from 1:00 pm-6:00 pm. Food will be provided. Feel free to bring food or drink if you wish. All friends and family are encouraged to attend and help celebrate Jayci’s life. Simpson Barn 6169 North Glenn Drive Johnston Iowa

Jaycianna "Jayci" Ashley

October 6, 1980 - March 23, 2026