Laura Ashley Riley

Laura Ashley Willard Riley was born January 13, 1989 in Farmington, CT. Born at only 33 weeks preterm and was in the care of UCONN Medical Center NICU for over 3 months. During this time she endured several corrective surgeries. Most importantly she was born with one kidney and the doctors didn't know how long this one would last. This is where her battle began but Laura never let it get in her way. As she grew older her remaining kidney failed, but her Aunt Sherry was there to gift her a new kidney of her own. This kidney lasted 5 years.

The daily battle of dialysis began. Laura spent most of her life trying to stay healthy while spending time with family and friends, and all her fur babies. Laura was the strongest and most courageous young woman you would ever meet. During her time on dialysis she made it a point to live everyday to its fullest. After a long night of dialysis she would get up, get dressed, go to work and push through every day.

Most recently she worked for Southwest Kidney Institute in Mesa, Arizona. Laura was an administrator and would help other patients with their journey to find a kidney as she waited for a chance to find one of her own. Over the past three years, Laura endured several illnesses, 'such as COVID, Valley Fever, with the ongoing dialysis the strain was too much for her. You should know she never gave up without a "fight."

Laura leaves behind her person. the love of her life and husband, Travis Riley. Travis and Laura met in high school but their adventure would begin several years later on January 13, 2010. Most of Laura and Travis' hobbies were spent with friends and family camping and side by side riding. Laura also loved making crafts of any kind and would surprise her family with some of her creations.

There would be several trips back to CT to visit her family there packing her dialysis machine like nothing was wrong. With Travis, Laura gained her "bonus daughter," Faith Riley, when they married in 2012. Faith is truly a blessing to Laura as she is the daughter she could never have.

Laura leaves behind her mother, Michelle Berrieault and "bonus Dad,", Michael Berrieault, of Apache Junction, AZ:, her father, Aaron Willard and "bonus Mom" Christine Small of Glastonbury, CT.; her brother, Josh Willard, his fiance Missy Haagensen of Windham, Ct; her brother of Devan Daymon of Gold Canyon, AZ; her grandmother Laura Lytle; grandfather Jerry Lytle of Apache Junction, AZ; her aunt, Sherry Smith Robertson of Gold Canyon, AZ.; her cousin Rudy Robertson, her aunt Holly Willard Bennett and uncle William Willard of CT.

Laura also leaves behind many aunts and uncles, cousins and so many special friends. If you were one of her special friends, "she chose you."

A special graveside service for Laura will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2023, 4 - 4:40 PM, at Green Acres Mortuary and Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257, followed by a Celebration of Life, 4:40 - 8PM at Green Acres Mortuary. The family requests you wear something in purple to honor Laura as purple was her favorite color. www.greenacresmortuary.net