Ashlee "Asher Phoenix" May

Ashlee “Asher Phoenix” May, aged 26, found eternal peace on July 20, 2025 near Barnes, KS. Born in Emporia, Kansas on August 12, 1998, Asher is survived by mother and father; Suzette (Adam) Yungeberg and Jon May; sister Kaylie May; Grandmother Ruby May; and her two, beloved service dogs, Piper and Shiloh. Preceding Asher in death are grandparents Delvin and Elaine Berger; grandfather Irman May; and Uncle Ben Berger and her late partner Jane.

For Asher, growing up in rural Kansas brought tranquility, joy and family. Kansas towns were the birthplace of pursuits such as competitive gymnastics, softball and journalism. Asher graduated from McPherson High School, in McPherson KS, in 2016. Short time at Friends University In contrast, living in the city of Los Angeles, California as a young adult nurtured and honed many creative endeavors, including poetry, art, film, music, theater, and, of course, Asher’s award-winning, published photography. Some of the accolades earned included working the Grammy Awards Ceremony, where Asher photographed and interacted with celebrities and countless others. Asher also saw success getting published in the LA Times, and Variety, the Advocate, Grammas photographs of Ryan, on an Emmy winning production team along with several others. Due to winning a contest for Fuji docuseries, Asher was able to be highlighted in a feature story. Asher was especially excited for an upcoming art exhibition, which was to feature their life partner, Jane and OD awareness.

Asher lived with a burning passion and brought light to those who needed an accepting and authentic friend. Just like anyone else, Asher had struggles in life and found solace in becoming very involved with AA. Asher found great joy behind a camera, in the spotlight, or even simply sitting on the couch with an iPad and a coffee in hand, drawing and musing.

Donations for Stage 9 Theatre in Hutchinson Ks and other causes Asher was passionate about can be sent to Suzette Yungeberg at 3042 11th Rd, Barnes, Kansas 66933.

Celebrating the life and legacy of Ashlee Katherine “Asher Phoenix” May, Join us in honoring her radiant spirit and final performance with light and love. A night of remembrance, art, and storytelling on August 9, 2025, at 6:00 pm Stage 9, at 9 S Main, Hutchinson, Kansas. There will be an Open Mic – Share your voice, your heart, your memories. Bring a single rose to lay at the stage in tribute. Asher lived like a phoenix—bold, beautiful, rising again and again.

A Private Burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Waterville, KS at a later date.

. . . .

IMMUTABLE by Asher Phoenix

“I won’t be silenced, though,

I’ll lock grips

With the nearest arm,

Nearest all and yell

And kick and scream and fight.”