Johnny S. Ashby

Johnny Scott Ashby, 75, of Owensboro, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2026 in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family and friends. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories and many who loved her. Born on July 6, 1951, in her grandparents’ home in Rosine, Kentucky, Johnny was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Ashby; her mother and stepfather, Maxine and Wymond Kuykendall; her father and stepmother, Harold and Ella Sorrels; and her cherished four-legged children, Mason, Willow, Bubba, and Buck, who held special places in her heart.

Johnny is survived by her four children, Christi (Barry) Midkiff of Whitesville, Kentucky; Jason (Sheila) Eversole of Batavia, Ohio; Chris (Ann) Tesort of Clarksville, Tennessee; and Jessica (Jerry) Jenkins of Owensboro, Kentucky. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, John (Lindsay) Eversole, Jeremy (Katherine) Eversole, Blake (Shriya) Midkiff, Addain Midkiff, Addy Midkiff, James Whitaker, Joseph Whitaker, and Jacob Whitaker; and four great-grandchildren, Harlan, Hadley, John Carson, and Oliver Eversole. Other loved ones who survive her include her brother, Brent (Kelly) Kuykendall; several nieces and nephews; her aunts and uncle, Elda Embry of Hartford, Kentucky, and Curt and Malissa Beatty of Pendleton, Kentucky; and her honorary family, Budge Roach and Melissa Hopkins.

Johnny valued education and worked hard to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, accomplishments that reflected her lifelong love of learning. Over the years, she worked as a bookkeeper for Martin Laboratories and the City of Evansville. She also shared her knowledge with countless students at Owensboro Community and Technical College and Oakland City University. Her teaching career even took her into correctional facilities, where she taught accounting to incarcerated individuals, demonstrating her willingness to share her knowledge and talents with people from all walks of life. She also served in the United States Air Force.

Johnny had an adventurous spirit and a love of seeing the world. Her travels took her to destinations near and far, with Japan and France holding special places among her favorite memories. As a devoted Harry Potter fan, one particularly memorable stop was a visit to the café where J.K. Rowling’s beloved stories began. Her home was a delightful reflection of the things she loved, filled with fairies, pugs, and Harry Potter treasures. She loved reading, traveling, and surrounding herself with things that made her smile. There was no mistaking whose home you had entered or what brought her joy.

Mostly, Johnny loved her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy, and the memories they created together will be treasured for generations. Those who knew Johnny knew she was kind, generous, and, yes, more than a little stubborn. She had a big heart, a strong will, and a way of doing things that was uniquely her own, right down to the lavender highlights in her hair. Her generosity and kindness touched the lives of those around her, while her determination made it clear that once Johnny had made up her mind, changing it was probably not going to be easy. Most notably, Johnny’s Christian faith was an important part of her life. She believed in God and carried that faith with her throughout life’s joys and challenges. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now at peace in His loving care.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Alexander Newburgh Chapel, 5333 State Road 261, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Jeremy Eversole officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Boonville, Indiana, with military rites performed by Kapperman Post #44.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky and Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center in Owensboro, Kentucky.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com.