Diane Ritchie, 71, of Bardstown, Kentucky, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday
August 18th, 2026. She was a cherished mother, nana, and friend, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Diane was born in Bardstown on April 17th, 1955. A woman with an extraordinarily generous heart, she was the kind of person who would truly give you the shirt off her back. To know Diane was to love her. She poured her warmth into everything she did, finding immense joy in singing, listening to music, and crafting—especially sewing and making beautiful wreaths to give to others. Above all, she was a devoted and loving nana whose family meant the world to her. Diane shared her life and heart with her long-term partner, Phillip, who was so much more than a companion—he was her steadfast partner in life and love.
She was preceded in death by her father, Readious Ashley; her mother, Helen Ashley; and her brother, Harold Ashley.
She is survived by her brother: Mitchell (Geraldine), her three children: Bruce Wayne (Eleonor), Anthony (Amanda), and Stephanie (Jeremy); her bonus children: Brandy, Bucky, and Leslie; her ten grandchildren: Emily, Kaitlyn (Shay), Brennen (Shaye), Brandon, Kandace, Kelsea (Logan), Abigail, Asher, Julian, and Kameron; her bonus grandchildren: Mya, Arianna, Mikayla, and Marissa; and her eight great-grandchildren: Arayah, Jack, Kayson, Finn, Lainey, Theodore, Kaleigh, and Brody. Her funeral service will be noon Friday Aug. 21, 2026 at Barlow Funeral Home, with burial in St. Thomas Cemetery. Pastor Linda Barnes Popham will officiate.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. – noon Friday Aug. 21, 2026 at Barlow Funeral Home.
Diane had a love for flowers and the simple beauty they brought into the world. To honor her memory, plantable floral tributes are welcome and greatly appreciated by her family.
Memorial donations may go to the American Cancer Society.
Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.