We are Hope: Ashley Loyd

For 2006 Hauser High School graduate, Ashley Loyd, Hope is home. Born and raised in the close-knit community, the 31-year-old is the funeral director and fifth generation carrying on the legacy of the Norman Funeral Home on the town square. In a recent conversation, Loyd talked about what it was like growing up and hanging out in Hope, what it is that she believes allows Hope to hold on to its heritage, what about Hope inspires her and what she anticipates as she looks to the future.

What is your fondest memory of growing up in Hope?
Well, going to all the basketball games. That was every Friday and Saturday night. From eighth grade on, I don’t think I missed a game home or away. When I was about 12 or 13 years old I had two good friends who lived in town and we would always ride our bikes around town and go to the cemetery and hang out on the rocks and in the cave area, which was really neat.

What is it that contributes to the familial aspect of Hope, would you say?
Especially in this business, we get to know all the families, and at one of the worst times they are going through. We get to know them on a personal level deeper than what we knew them before.

What contributes to Hope’s ability to hold onto its heritage?
I think because it is a small community and everyone is like family, people just really care about the town and the community. They have a great passion for both.

For those who have never been to Hope, how would you describe the community?
I would say, it is your ideal small town with friendly residents.

What is it about Hope that brings people back?
It has a home feeling. I went away to college and it was comforting to come back home. It is a safe town. I think that everyone supports everyone else.

What do you enjoy most about living in the Hope community?
I would definitely say it is the people who live here and knowing everyone. And, being in this business, I am getting to know the families who have been here for a long time and making those connections and knowing everyone.

What is it about Hope that inspires you?
My family has been serving this community for a long time and I feel it is important to continue that. We’ve had people say my great-grandfather had services for one of their family members and it means a lot to me to be able to carry on that legacy and be here to continue to provide this business and service for the Hope and surrounding communities.

Looking ahead to the future of Hope, what are your hopes?
I hope that maybe there could be more events that draw more people to Hope to get to experience our small town, the square and to see how nice the rest of the town is.