Ashley's memorial service will be held Saturday, June 20 at 2pm at the Hettinger Senior Center. The Honor Guard will provide military honors following the service.

Ashley Reed Beld, a remarkably gentle, kind, and talented soul, passed away on February 24, 2026, in Reeder, North Dakota, at the age of 68.

Ashley's journey began on February 1, 1958, in Hettinger, North Dakota. Entering the world as a fighter, he weighed just three pounds at birth and was lovingly cared for by a dedicated nurse who fed him entirely with an eye dropper. That tiny baby grew into a man known by everyone for his incredibly mellow, patient, and kind-hearted nature. He possessed a true gift for carpentry; his hands were skilled, his work was precise, and his craft was a reflection of his quiet dedication and creative eye.

Though Ashley had no children of his own, his life was filled with deep familial connections and an immense love for animals, especially dogs. His legendary patience and unique bond with animals were perfectly captured in how he trained the beloved family dog, Chief. Together, they grew through different levels of adventure, with Ashley patiently teaching Chief to ride a horse bareback, graduating him to a motorbike and snowmobile, and eventually riding right alongside him in the pickup truck.

Ashley was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy (Nash) Beld; his older brother, Tony Beld; his older sister, Crystal Hanna; and numerous beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived and lovingly remembered by his older brother, Russ Beld (SD); his older sisters, Corrine Zehm (WI) and Deb (Josh) Randall (ND); and his younger sister, Alice (Ward) Anderson (WY). He also leaves behind his dear Aunt Phyllis Nash (ND), as well as many numerous cousins.

Ashley was a cherished uncle to his nieces and nephews: Jonna Zehm (WI), Maggie (Ann) Mayham (SD), Marcia (Dale) Dressel (WI), Tim Hanna (FL), Brent (Trace') Zehm (WI), Scott Hanna (Indonesia), Shawn (Jackie) Hanna (SD), Kate (Adam) Smith (WY), William (Maiah) Anderson (WY), and Virginia Anderson (WY).

He was also a proud great-uncle to Reba Sabo (SD), Anthony (Emily) Dressel (WI), Sarah Dressel (WI), Emma Dressel (WI), Oliver Dressel (WI), August Dressel (WI), Lexi (Tyler) Fischer (ND), Emily Hanna (FL), Freddy Anderson (WY), Harry Anderson (WY).

He was further blessed to be a great-great-uncle to Corbin Fischer, Nolan Fischer, and Talen Fischer, all of North Dakota.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to everyone for your presence at his Memorial Service. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the prayers offered while Ashley was missing, and for the overwhelming kindness, words, and messages since we have brought him home. Your support has been a profound comfort during this difficult time.