Ashley Tara Meeker's Obituary
Ashley Tara Meeker, age 41, of Bahrain, and formerly of Charleston, IL, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Bahrain.
Born on April 13, 1984, in Olney, Illinois, Ashley was the daughter of Michael and Bobette Brooks. On September 21, 2007, she married Morgan Linder, during an outdoor ceremony at Fox Ridge State Park in Charleston, Illinois.
Ashley is survived by her husband of 17 years, Morgan Linder of Bahrain; her parents, Mike and Bobbi Brooks of Charleston, Illinois; her siblings, Shannon Meeker, Jennifer (husband, Bobby) Brooks Keenan, David (wife, Heather Maggio) Brooks, and Melissa Brooks; her grandfather, Richard Brown; her mother-in-law, Jody Linder; she was blessed to have numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandmothers, Deena Brown and Erna Meeker.
A graduate of Charleston High School’s Class of 2002, Ashley continued her academic journey at Eastern Illinois University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She went on to receive her master’s degree in Linguistics from Indiana State University.
Ashley served as an academic advisor and coordinator for universities on overseas armed services bases in multiple countries, was a private university publication editor for foreign professors in the United States and was in the process of starting a university English professor position in Saudi Arabia at the time of her passing.
Ashley was endlessly curious about the world and craved travel and discovery. She had friends in over twenty countries and learned to cook the cuisines of every place she visited.
Ashley was a masterful host and social anchor for people abroad of all kinds and a mentor to many. She was an avid gamer and talented technology enthusiast when she wasn’t too busy in the gym.
Visitation will be held at 11am, followed by a memorial service conducted by Pastor Scott Sims at 12 noon, on Saturday, July 26th at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL. Service attendees are encouraged to bring a memory to share.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Coles County Animal Shelter, 6818 N CR 1120 E, Charleston, IL 61920 or other charitable organization of donor's choice.
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