Kristy Kay Harlow, 53, of Union Mills, Indiana, passed away Sunday, December 31st, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born June 29th, 1970, in Michigan City, Indiana, the daughter of Donald Wayne Ashmore and Carolyn (Eberhart) Ashmore.
A lifelong resident of the area, Kristy was a 1988 graduate of Rogers High School in Michigan City, IN. As a teenager, she loved to hang out with friends, cruising Lincolnway, and listening to music. As she grew older, her work ethic became undeniably one for the books. She got her first job at the age of sixteen. From then on, she had always worked at least 3 or 4 jobs at a time. Kristy was a bank teller for several years, stepped in to work multiple family businesses, such as K's Drywall and R&L Roofing, worked at SevenOKs for over 10 years as a sales representative, ran a horse barn for a local stable, and finally ended her career path as a Regional Manager for Santefort Real Estate Group, LLC. She was raised with horses but started riding more when her children became involved with 4-H and this is where her life began to change for the better. As most people know, Kristy's life revolved around her children, Kody Harlow (son) and Kylie Harlow (daughter). She was a devoted mother who dedicated her life to nurturing and shaping their future. Kristy was a fervent advocate for education and personal growth. She recognized the importance of empowering her children with knowledge and instilling in them the values that would guide them through life. Unfortunately, around 2019, Kristy was diagnosed with breast cancer, and her friends and family came together to create a strong support group. Shortly after her final treatments, Kristy and her friend group created a horseback riding group called the MTR8, which she loved, and it slowly became a major part of her life. She also enjoyed camping in her living quarters horse trailer, which was her dream to own. Over those years of horseback riding and camping, Kristy was able to create a new family tradition along with building lifelong friendships. Her monthly massages were her happy place and more recently, she began to travel, with Mexico being one of her most current favorite destinations. Kristy thoroughly enjoyed Christmas and took great pride in her perfectly decorated Christmas Trees. Her most precious gifts each year were her family and friends, and she will be greatly missed by them all. The countless memories of joy, laughter, and love that she generously shared will be remembered forever.
Kristy is survived by her parents, Donald and Carolyn Ashmore; her son, Kody (Jessica Rae Harbaugh) Harlow of Willoughby, OH; daughter, Kylie (Layne Walter) Harlow of Brook, IN; sister, Tiffeny (Thomas) Vires of Niles, MI; two nieces, Chloee Tibbs and Tayah Harris and several cousins, all who she dearly loved.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, IN., where a gathering of family and friends will take place on Friday, January 5th, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., followed by family reflections at 7:00. Cremation will take place.
Memorial contributions may be made in Kristy's name to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation 28 W. 44th St., Suite 609, New York, NY 10036, or the La Porte Small Animal Shelter, 2855 IN-2, La Porte, IN 46350.
Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
