The Shadow
Ashton Liam Rambo
Ashton Liam Rambo, infant son of Catrina Deniece Hill and Christopher Louis Rambo, died February 28, 2025, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his twin sister, Addalyn Rambo and other siblings, Kiersten (Justin) Stogner, Dylan Atkinson, Shaun Rambo, Abigail Rambo, Landon Hill and Giovanni Amato; Paternal grandfather, Ben (Linda) Rambo; Paternal grandmother, Mary (Scott) Synder; great-grandmother, Marie (Robert) DeGuzman; a nephew, Lennon Stogner; and number of aunts, uncles, cousins, and a full NICU team at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
We come together with hearts heavier than words can express. We are here to honor Ashton Liam Rambo, our sweet Ashy Boy, who was with us for only a short time but left an imprint that will last forever. Though his time on this earth was brief, his love, his spirit, and his presence were boundless.
Ashton was a fighter from the very beginning. Born at just 2 pounds, 10 ounces, he spent 67 days in the NICU, proving every single day how strong he was. Even as a tiny baby, he had a personality all his own. He was a momma’s boy through and through—the moment he heard her voice, his bright blue eyes would search for her, full of love and recognition. At just four days old the looks of his father were extremely apparent.
Despite his small size, Ashton had the biggest appetite, earning the nickname “Momma’s Fat Boy” because of how much he loved to eat. And when he ate, he did it with a little growl—his own baby bear sound, a reminder of his strength and determination. He was the first-born twin, the one who paved the way, showing his little sibling the way forward with quiet courage.
His smile could brighten any room, a smile that was filled with pure innocence, warmth, and love. Though he never had the chance to grow up, to run and play, he still knew love in its purest form. He knew the soothing touch of his mother, the warmth of his father’s embrace, and the love of his brothers and sisters. He knew the comfort of lullabies, the magic of The Little Mermaid, and the safety of being surrounded by family.
Ashton’s time here was far too short, and the loss of such a beautiful soul is a pain that no words can truly heal. But even in this sorrow, we must remember that he was never alone—he was cherished every second of his life. He knew love every day he was here.
And now, he is wrapped in the arms of his grandparents, Deniece and Ben, watching over us as they hold him close.
To Chris, and the entire family, there are no words that can erase the pain of this loss.
But know this—Ashton’s love, his spirit, and his memory will live on in every heart he touched. He may have only been with us for a short time, but he changed us, he brought us joy, and he will never be forgotten.
As we say goodbye, let us hold onto the love he gave us, the moments he blessed us with, and the knowledge that he is now at peace. Ashton Liam Rambo, our little warrior, our beautiful boy, you will always be loved, and you will always be missed.
Rest easy, sweet Ashy Boy. You were ours, and you always will be.
