Early Saturday morning, February 22nd, Johnny Nelson and Ashlie Owens-Nelson's home caught fire and burnt to the ground. Ashlie’s husband and father of the girls, was home alone and was unable to escape. He perished in the fire. Ashlie and her daughters, Lilah and Sadie Nelson, were at a friend’s home and were thankfully spared. The blaze has left them devastated by the loss of their husband and father, and totally displaced.

Ashlie and her girls mean so much to this community and have given much to others—whether through their work, kindness, or unwavering support for friends and family. Now, they are in need of our help.

They are not comfortable in asking for help this way, but many are reaching out and asking how to help and support them. They were renting their home. The house is a mere shell, brick and rubble, and Ashlie and her daughters must relocate. Due to the extensive damage, they were unable to recover anything from their former home. We thought this fundraiser would be one meaningful way to provide immediate relief and to help defray the funeral expenses for laying Johnny to rest.

The funds will help cover funeral expenses, temporary housing, immediate needs such as clothing and toiletries. There will be a long road to recovery ahead for Ashlie and the girls. Any contribution, big or small, will make a difference in helping the family rebuild.

Thank you for supporting Ashlie, Lilah, and Sadie through your monetary gifts and especially through your continued thoughts and prayers. We are a generous community and we will help them get through this incredibly difficult time.

Please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser with others who may be able to help.