Laura Kay Ashcraft

Laura Kay Reagan Ashcraft

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Laura Kay Reagan Ashcraft, a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, on May 23, 2026.

Born on April 27, 1962, in Morristown, Tennessee, Laura brought warmth, kindness, and joy to everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was the cherished daughter of Doris Kay Seals Reagan and the late Robert C. Reagan, whose lasting love and memory remained a guiding light throughout her life.

Laura embraced a beautiful new chapter when she married Michael Ashcraft on June 24, 2017. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, travel, sports, and adventure. Whether exploring across the United States, cheering on their favorite teams, or traveling through Europe together, they treasured every moment spent side by side. Michael’s steadfast love and support brought Laura tremendous comfort, especially throughout her health journey.

Laura attended East Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee before continuing her education in Kentucky. She earned her degree in education from the University of Kentucky and later received a master’s degree from Georgetown College.

Her passion for learning was matched only by her love for teaching and coaching. At Georgetown Middle School and later West Jessamine Middle School, Laura inspired countless students as a teacher and volleyball coach, encouraging not only athletic excellence but confidence, character, and perseverance. Even in retirement, she continued to follow and celebrate the accomplishments of the students she had mentored over the years.

An active member of Catalyst Christian Church in Nicholasville, Laura formed deep and meaningful friendships within her church community. Her welcoming spirit and genuine kindness made everyone feel valued and at home.

Florida held a special place in Laura’s heart from childhood onward. The sunshine, water, and time spent with family and friends there brought her lasting joy and peace throughout her life. She loved swimming, water sports, gardening, and cheering enthusiastically for her favorite teams.

She leaves behind a loving family who will carry her legacy forward: her loving husband, Michael Ashcraft; her beloved son, Donald Foxworth III and partner Maddie Sawyer; her beloved daughter, Bailey Parmley and husband Chris; her stepdaughter, Kaytlin Ashcraft-Childers and husband Carson; her stepson Logan Ashcraft; her grandsons, Caleb Parmley and Jonas Childers; her mother Doris Kay Seals Reagan; in laws, Jean and Jane Ashcraft; her sisters, Terri Tuxbury and husband Michael, and Robin Fultz and husband Jeff; her brother Chad Reagan; and several nieces and nephews. Laura was preceded in death by her father, Robert C. Reagan, and her former husband, Jim Smith.

In honor of Laura, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Hope Lodge in Cleveland, Ohio, an organization that provided comfort and support during her treatment. The family extends their greatest gratitude to the UK Healthcare Markey Cancer Center, the Cleveland Clinic Bone Marrow Transplant Team, and especially to her stepdaughter Kaytlin, for her unwavering support and care as a member of the MICU at UK Healthcare.

Visitation will be at Betts & West Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, with the funeral service to start at 1:00 pm, Pastor David Kibler officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Nelson National Cemetery at 2:30 pm.

Visitation will be prior to the service on Tuesday, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Betts & West Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ashcraft family in their time of need. An online guestbook is available at www.BettsandWestFuneralHome.com.