Deborah Ann Ashley, 71

Published 9:46 am Monday, September 9, 2024

Deborah Ann Ashley, 71, passed away on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. Born on June 18, 1953, in Clark County, she was the cherished daughter of the late Alfred Brown Ashley and Mary Helen Gardner Ashley.

Deborah was a distinguished United States Army Veteran, serving with honor from 1978 to 2013, including a notable deployment during Desert Storm. After a remarkable 35-year career as a Training Sergeant and Military Technician with the Department of the Army, she concluded a 44-year tenure with the federal government. Deborah was also an esteemed member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and the American Legion Post 22 in Mount Sterling, Kentucky.

Her commitment to service extended beyond her military career; Deborah volunteered with Hospice for several years and contributed her time to the Clark Regional Medical Center gift shop.

A devoted Baptist, Deborah’s dedication was recognized through numerous honors, including being named a Kentucky Colonel and a Kentucky Admiral, and earning distinction as a member of the Order of the Spur. Her legacy reflects her steadfast service and unwavering commitment to both her country and her community.

She is survived by her aunt, Norelyne Goodlett; cousins Pam (David) Spears of Sky Valley, GA, and Rex (Suzie) Gardner of Colorado Springs, CO; and special friends Melanie Wicker and Faye Reynolds.

Visitation will be held at Scobee Funeral Home, starting at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 14, 2024, with the service to follow at 11:00 AM. Kenneth Rayfield will officiate, and burial will take place at Winchester Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Mike Catron, Gary Thompson, Bob McGuiness, Sam Woodsly, John Rhoades, Michelle Chesser, George Nutter, and Donnie Pelfrey. Honorary pallbearers will be Myra Becraft, Robin Robinson, Pat Lambert, and the volunteer staff of Hospice