Obituary: Ella Catherine Blair, 23

Ella Catherine Blair, 23, passed away Aug. 3, 2026, in South Carolina. A lifelong resident of Bardstown, Ella most recently lived in Pinehurst, North Carolina where she was employed by Pine Apparel as a regional sales rep for coastal North and South Carolina.

Ella was born on Oct. 31, 2002, in Bardstown. She is the daughter of Phil and Laura Hutchins Blair, and sister to Ethan and Will Blair. Ella graduated from Bethlehem High School with the class of 2021 as a Girls Soccer State Champion and member of the National Honor Society. She received her bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising from the University of Kentucky in 2025 as a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.

Following graduation, Ella soon began her dream career in Pinehurst, NC where she traveled the Carolina roads in her personalized van, sharing her love of fashion with clients across the region.

While friends have been abundant and loyal, Ella was held closest by a large and loving family. During holidays, at pool parties, and in countless other moments “on the Lane,” her energy, beautiful smile, and bright light was – and will always be – in the hearts of those lucky enough to have shared her life.

Along with her parents and brothers, Ella is survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Joe and Cecily Blair and Sonny and June Hutchins.

Ella will rest eternally at the newly established Cemetery on Hutchins Farm, embraced forever by the hills, memories, and good spirits of her special home.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ella’s life with visitation at Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home in Bardstown on Sunday, August 9th from 1:00-8 p.m. A prayer service will be Sunday at 5 p.m.. Additional visitation will be at the funeral home Monday from 9:00-10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m.. Monday at The Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, Rev. P. Cole McDowell, celebrant. Very Reverend J. Randall Hubbard and Rev. Bill Hammer will concelebrate.

Expressions of sympathy in Ella’s name can be made to Bethlehem High School or the Nelson County Humane Society.

The Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.