Ashley Nicole Crakes Novallis, age 42, a resident of Davis, WV departed this life Saturday evening, February 15, 2025 at her home, following the most courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. She had been in declining health for the past few years, although death was unexpected.
She was born September 17, 1982 in Elkins, WV, the daughter of Sheila and Terry Blosser of Parsons, WV and Patrick Jr. and Michelle Crakes of Columbus, OH/Manhattan Beach, CA, all surviving. She grew up in a beautiful, blended family, where she formed close bonds with her bonus parents. She was so very thankful for all of them.
Ashley’s most cherished role was being a mother to her two young sons; Deacon Christopher Novallis and Jaxon Matthew Novallis. They were her primary motivation daily. She was a devoted mother and adored them with a love that had no bounds. She strived to teach her boys resilience, to be kind and spirited, as she role modeled it daily. She was so proud of them and they were her absolute pride and joy. She was their biggest fan. She enjoyed watching them compete in their sports, play and spend time with their friends, going on four-wheeler rides, having spontaneous dance parties, and just enjoying quality time with their loved ones.
Ashley was known from a young age as a natural born leader and her character shined during her six-year fight with cancer. Her life was a testament to living fully in the moment and never
wavering in her roles and responsibilities, characterized by a determination to carry on no matter what.
She was a graduate of Tucker County High School, Class of 2000, where she was an active member of the school community and a cheerleader all four years. After High School, she attended Indiana University where she was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, graduating with a Bachelor’s of the Arts (BA) with a double major in Classical Civilization and Political Science, in 2004. Later, she attended West Virginia University where she received a Masters of Public Administration (MPA) in Finance, in 2009.
She started her working career while still an undergraduate student by securing a prestigious internship with then West Virginia U.S. Representative, now U.S. Senator Shelly Moore Capito, serving during her junior and senior years. The summer experiences at the U.S. Capital in Washington D.C. further ignited an intense interest in the public sector as well as a drive to experience life to its fullest.
As a result, after undergraduate, she went on to hold several positions in various areas connected to the U.S. Federal Government in Washington D.C., including KinderCare Education.
She then returned to university to obtain her Master’s Degree, during which she was a Graduate Fellow for the West Virginia House of Delegates, Judiciary Committee. Upon graduation, she worked for the State of West Virginia as a Business Analyst and then for Deloitte and Maryville consulting groups, solving technology and information issues for various U.S. Government clients, including the Department of Defense.
In 2021, she joined Apptio/IBM in their Americas Public Sector and was most recently VP, Americas for Partner Ecosystem. She led by example with confidence, determination, and had an unstoppable work ethic. Her professional influence is best summed up by a close colleague; “The impact of her passing is felt and recognized across our organization. From all facets of our business, Ashley made such a profound impression, both for the quality of her work, as well as the quality of her character.”
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her two handsome sons, Deacon Christopher Novallis (12) and Jaxon Matthew Novallis (9), along with their father, Christopher Novallis; She was the oldest of her 5 siblings: Jason Crakes (41), Walker Blosser (26) and partner Brandon Robinson, Cassandra Crakes (24), Joshua Crakes (22), and Ella Crakes (20); nephew, Levi Howard; niece, Brooklyn Howard; Aunts and Uncles, Linda and Wayne Cutright, Matthew Crakes and Caroline Shen , Ken Teagarden, Linda Teagarden, several other loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and several close friends whom she considered family, especially Erin, Samantha, and Rachel.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents Geraldine and Ken Teagarden, Patrick Crakes Senior and Dashiella Brogan, Sam and Shirley Blosser, her Uncle Glen Teagarden, and aunt Donna Teagarden.
Our beloved Ashley fought with such strength, grace, resilience, and unwavering courage as she lived life to the fullest. She endured her cancer battle with her legendary good humor that always saw her as the life of the party. She was fierce and refused to let cancer define her and though our hearts are shattered, we find comfort in the inspiration and example she provided for all who knew her.
She was larger than life and her absence will forever leave an irreplaceable void. Her fearless spirit will continue to live on in those who had the honor and privilege to know and love her. She will forever remain in our hearts, guiding us through the days ahead as we honor her incredible journey.
There will be a small, private ceremony during the week of February 24, 2025 to support the boys and her immediate family. The family appreciates everyone’s respect of that privacy.
In the spring, there will be a larger gathering to celebrate Ashley’s life. When this plan is finalized, this information will be shared.
Ashley’s number one priority was always the care of her two young boys. So, in lieu of flowers, we have established “The Ashley Crakes Novallis Fund” through the Tucker Community Foundation to gather donations in support of her sons.
**Anyone who wants to donate needs to specify Ashley’s name so the foundation knows where to make the deposit**
If you would like to donate, you can do so by:
- Calling (304) 478-2930 and paying via card over the phone
- Mailing a check to:
Tucker Community Foundation
PO Box 491
Parsons, WV 26287
Following the contribution link below in charity donations and scroll to the bottom of the page for the PayPal link. Thank you in advance for your generosity. The entire family is eternally grateful.
