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Just two weeks after a current GRC student was killed in a farming accident, tragedy hit the George Rogers Clark High School community once more in the period between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

On Saturday, Dec. 29th, 20-year-old Ashleigh Bunfill – a former student and member of the Lady Cards’ basketball team – passed away unexpectedly.

Scobee Funeral Home confirmed the information in an obituary posted online at https://www.scobeefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Ashleigh-Marie-Bunfill?obId=30229271#/obituaryInfo.

“Ashleigh was a true lover of all animals, an accomplished artist, and devoted babysitter[.] [S]he found joy in caring for others, especially children,” it says. “Ashleigh’s downtime was often filled with Netflix nights, and quality time with loved ones.”

Along with her attributes above, Bunfill was a competitive athlete.

KHSAA said she was a member of three George Rogers Clark Lady Cardinals basketball teams that won the 10th Region Championships from 2017 to 2019.

“On the basketball court of George Rogers Clark High School, she showcased her athleticism and team spirit,” her obituary states.

The Lady Cards’ official Facebook page – GRC Hoops – responded to news of her passing with photos, a video, and a message on Tuesday, Jan. 2nd.

“Words can definitely not express the sadness felt within the GRC Hoops family after hearing the news of the passing of Ashleigh Bunfill. The posts by many of her former teammates today confirms that not only did she play as hard as anyone on the team, she also knew how to laugh as hard as anyone as well. She was a classic example that at the end of the day the relationships you build in sports end up being much more important than any success on the court. Our prayers and thoughts go out to her family. Try to find comfort in the impact that she made on so many of our lives. Rest easy Bunfill!”

Before GRC’s matchup against Paris on Tuesday evening, a moment of silence was held to honor and remember Bunfill.

Writing X following the Lady Cards’ victory, head coach Robbie Graham also responded.

“I was devastated to hear the news of Ashleigh Bunfill passing. She was a hard worker, a great teammate with caring heart and a kind soul. Sending comforting hugs and healing prayers to her family and friends. Rest easy young [lady]. We will miss you Bunfill,” Graham wrote.

As well as the coaching staff, responses and condolences were sent by various former teammates, including Erica Berry, Kennedy Igo, Brianna Byars, Brooklyn Tabor, Trinity Gay, Cameron Anderson, and more.

Outside programs and fans from other teams – such as Montgomery County, Simon Kenton, and Johnson Central – also expressed sorrow and support for loved ones.

“Her love for family and community was evident in the friendships she formed and the inspiration she drew from the Clark County community. She was so impacted by the community that she recently moved back to Winchester,” states her obituary.

As also mentioned, Bunfill is survived by many family and friends, including “her loving father and earthly mother, Nate and Darla Bunfill; siblings, Thomas Bunfill, Theodore Bunfill, Stephen Perdue, Jack Perdue; grandparents, Darlene Bunfill-Shafer and Roland Shafer, Edward and Denise Dunbar; uncle, Aaron Bunfill; and her best friend and long-term boyfriend, Gabe Clayton.”

Bunfill’s mother, the late Courtney Bunfill, preceded her in death.

Services for Ashleigh Bunfill were held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 4th, 2024, at the Leon Pace Memorial Chapel next to Scobee Funeral Home. Pastor James Bush officiated. The burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery in Ohio.