Coffee with Kim – Meet Ashley Jones

Say hello to Ashley Jones—a real-live Idaho native! She was born in the Golden State but moved to the Post Falls area (near Coeur d'Alene) when she was just three years old, spending most of her life soaking up the beauty of northern Idaho.

In 2014, Ashley headed to Boise to start college at BSU. But, as life often goes, her college path took a few unexpected turns. After her first semester, she returned home to Post Falls, where she poured her energy into a Catholic youth ministry. She hosted retreats, mentored teens, and built lasting connections through that work.

It was during this time that someone invited her to an Idaho Foster Youth meeting in Boise. Ashley had some personal experience with foster care as a teen and was hesitant to attend, but in the end agreed to give it a shot. That one meeting turned out to be a pivotal moment. She was so moved that she went on to serve as board chair for the Idaho Foster Youth Advisory Board for two years and even helped organize retreats for foster youth, using her experience with the Catholic youth ministry. Talk about turning a tough chapter into something meaningful.

Ashley later earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Utah. After graduation, she wasn’t quite ready to dive into full-on adulting, so she got a job at an outdoor store in northern Idaho—then promptly spent every paycheck on camping gear. As one in their twenties should. 

These days, Ashley is a proud mom to three adorable kids: Sunny (5), Beck (3), and Josie (9 months). On top of the beautiful chaos of parenthood, she also runs a thriving online business. Ashley co-founded Onward Research, a company that designs and manufactures American-made tactical gear like slings and pouches for firearms. (Check it out at www.onwardresearch.com—very cool stuff!)

When she’s not juggling business and family, Ashley is soaking up all that Avimor has to offer. She’s found real friendship and support in the neighborhood, and she’s quick to say how thankful she is for the sense of community here.

This summer, she’s taking on her next big adventure: piling her three kids and two stepchildren into a sprinter van for a road trip to the Oregon coast. Some might call that ambitious—but with Ashley at the wheel, it’s sure to be a great one. 

Coffee with Kim – Meet Blythe Klipple

If you’ve ever spotted a stylish white pixie cut zipping by with purpose, chances are you’ve seen Blythe Klipple—a woman whose spark and spunk match her chic haircut perfectly. She’s a familiar face in Avimor, especially known for her popular Stampin’ Up! classes. But before we dive into card stock and ink pads, let’s rewind a bit and see where Blythe’s journey began. 

Blythe grew up in Gary, Indiana, and made her way west to Oakland, California, at age 12. She later earned a degree in Geography from Cal State Hayward in 1970, a feat she accomplished over eight years while working her way through college. It wasn’t quick or easy, but in true Blythe fashion, she got it done. Determined? You bet.

Before landing in Avimor, Blythe was living happily in a cozy cabin in Mi Wuk Village, CA with her husband, Russ. When she talks about that cabin (20 years lived in full time, 20 years as a getaway), it’s with the same fondness you’d hear from someone describing an old friend, or maybe even a child. Speaking of which, she has two: Jason (54) and Andrea (52). In 2019, she and her husband Russ left their beloved forest retreat for the fresh possibilities of Avimor life. It was a big change, but they dove right in.

These days, Blythe shares her creativity through Stampin’ Up! classes at the Avimor Community Center every first and third Thursday of the month, plus two more gatherings at her home. Not familiar with Stampin’ Up!? It’s a crafting company built around paper goods and community. Independent demonstrators, like Blythe, host workshops focused on card making and other paper crafts.

Blythe is a passionate ambassador for the art of stamping. She loves how it clears her mind and resets her mood. In fact, her husband Russ has been known to suggest, “Why don’t you go stamp for a while? I like the girl who comes out.” And Blythe agrees—stamping brings out her best self.

Most of all, she treasures the community it’s created, for her and for others in Avimor. If you're curious (or just looking for a creative outlet and some good company), Blythe would love for you to give it a try. You can reach her at blythe@stampingwithblythe.com. Join the fun!