Amber Marie Rich

Amber Marie Rich, age 41, of Dayton, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026 after her years-long battle with cancer. Amber was born in Covington, Kentucky on March 12, 1984 to the late Audrey Begley.

Amber was preceded in death by her mother and her grandmother, Martha Begley.

She is survived by partner, Alan Howard; long-time best friend, Michelle Lillard-Diaz; nephews, Avery and Jonah; dogs, Duke, Lady, Sir Osborne and Roo; sister, Brittney Gonzalez; niece, Bridgette Gonzalez; as well as countless friends who she loved as family.

Amber obtained a Masters Degree in Human Resources from LSU in 2018, which she was very proud of.

She was a dedicated civilian worker with various roles in the United States Air Force based out of Lakenheath, England and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. Amber medically retired after 13 years of service.

In her free time, she enjoyed volunteering with the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, playing recreational sports at Gem City Social Sports, crafting, playing with her dogs, laying at the beach, and driving around in her Jeep with the top off. Amber loved pampering herself with manicures, makeup, and piercings. She had a passion for body art and loved filling her fair skin with the art of tattooing.

Amber loved her friends fiercely and was very protective over those she loved. She loved to help others and had a passion for helping animals, especially dogs. Amber also loved Stitch (Lilo & Stitch) and My Little Pony.

She was extremely loved and supported throughout her fight by all of her friends and family, which helped her continue her fight every single day, and she was eternally grateful for it all. Her partner was right next to her holding her hand, and she did not suffer.

There will be a Celebration of Life held at a later date.

Donations may be made in Amber's memory to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton.

Amber loved you all just as you all loved her.

Rest in eternal peace.

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