Sarah Lynn Ashford

Sarah (nee Gill) Ashford, age 61 years, of Bellevue, passed from this life on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville.   

The beloved daughter of Max and Joyce Gill, she is survived by her parents and sister, Elizabeth Goidel (Kirby), her daughter, Charlotte Miller (Chad), her two sons, Max Ashford and Ryan Ashford, and her granddaughter, Margot Miller. She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, and two cats who adored her dearly.

Her life experiences were as vibrant as her personality. She was born in Franklin, Indiana, spent her childhood and young adulthood in Colorado Springs, and graduated from Air Academy High, where she was involved in cheerleading and other activities. She later attended Colorado State University and The University of Kentucky. Sarah served her country with honor in the Navy through the end of the Cold War. Later in life she raised three cherished children, excelled as a top saleswoman, and inspired countless students as a beloved English teacher. 

Sarah’s passions brought joy to her life and to those around her. She delighted in theater, music, and dance, and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her UK Wildcats or The Chicago Bears. Her resilience carried her through many difficult years as she battled chronic illness, often unbeknownst to those around her. In her later years she found great comfort in her local community and in Western Hills Church.

May Sarah’s legacy of love and laughter continue to inspire all who were touched by her remarkable life.

Visitation with the Ashford-Gill family will be on Monday, February 10, 2025, from 4PM until 6PM. The celebration of life service will follow at 6PM, all at Western Hills Church, located at 7565 Charlotte Pike in Nashville. A private family graveside service will be held on Tuesday at Middle TN Veterans Cemetery with military honors.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Sarah’s memory.

For those who are unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on the Facebook page of Western Hills Church.

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104 (615) 857-9955. We proudly remain locally owned & operated.