Ashia Leann James

Our precious daughter, granddaughter, sister, wife, and mother Ashia LeAnn James, 26, passed away September 14, 2024 in Loveland, Colorado. She was born in Cortez, Colorado, the only child of Michael and Cynthia Backman. She grew up in Greeley. She was a delightful little girl who loved to go with her daddy for biscuits and gravy, to the park, swimming, to Chuck E. Cheese, Hawaii, or anywhere. She was thrilled when little sister Abby joined her and her mom in Greeley and Ashia got to be a big sister.  She and Abby were close and best of friends. She loved all her grandparents and spent time with them. 

Ashia graduated High School in 2016, and worked various jobs. Her favorites were bakeries where she used her incredible talent creating cookies, cupcakes and cakes that were delicious works of art.  She decided recently to further her education and had begun college accounting classes.

She met Ty Barber in elementary school. Years later they reconnected and became a family. They were so excited when Jericho (Jay) arrived in 2017 and then Juniper (Juni) a year later. Ashia loved being their mom and always had another adventure planned with them. 

She is survived by her husband Ty Barber of Loveland and their children Jay and Juni; her parents Steve and Cynthia Bond of Loveland, Michael and Brandy James of Conroe, Texas, her sister Abby Backman of Loveland, grandparents Steve and Mary Backman of Greeley, Bob and Lorraine James of Farmington NM, Warren and Karen Walton of Raton NM; uncles Mike Backman of Greeley, Robert (Kathy) James of Hobbs, NM; Chris (Debbie) James of Farmington NM; Eric (Ammy) James of Rio Ranch, NM; Darin (Lea) James of Farmington; an aunt Tialisa (John) Lente of Seaside, California; and many cousins. Two uncles and an aunt pre-deceased her: Gary James, Nick and Glenda James.

A graveside service will be held at Loveland Burial Park Colorado Highway 287 1702, Cleveland Ave, Loveland, CO 80538 on October 11, at 11:11am, followed by a Celebration of Life at Dewayne Webster Veterans Park Colorado Highway 287 1702, Cleveland Ave, Loveland, CO 80538.