More than anything, Iris adored her children, her family and friends. She lived her life in full bloom. A few stems of hydrangeas. A splash of color. A collage of patterns. A halo of blooms. A dash of pretty.
Iris decorated her soul with her artistic creativity, her generosity and her passion. She appreciated all the beauty in this world and created a lifetime bouquet filled with laughter, spontaneity and kindness for others.
On Wednesday, March 1, 2023 Iris Kay Asher, 71, of Barbourville, passed away peacefully.
She was born in Pineville on September 2, 1951. Iris grew up in Toledo, OH, where she enjoyed reading and spending time with her grandparents. As a teen, Iris was very involved in clubs and socializing with friends. She pursued a career in the floral industry and used her creative spirit to make life a little prettier and a whole lot happier for everyone around her. She was charmed by any small treasure she might find, shopping in antique stores, flea markets and was affectionately named “The Queen of Quantity”. There was always plenty of everything. Extra scraps of fabric to be woven into a quilt, an infinite color wheel of paint for ceramics and an endless flow of tears and laughter to celebrate the happy moments and the sad ones, too.
Iris’ creativity and passion for pretty reached well beyond her professional career. She used her gift of thoughtfulness and artistry to adorn her loved ones’ lives and she found a personal connection with everyone she met, especially those who were less fortunate.
She found beauty and joy everywhere and turned all of life’s moments into a party. Iris scattered glitter on every craft project and always used her finest dishes for afternoon snacks.
As long as she was with her family and friends, she was happy. She found comfort in the prose of Jane Austen, who she re-read often, and sentiment in scenes from “Gone with the Wind”. She loved pajama parties and craft shows, Black Friday sales and red carpet pre-shows. She loved to sing along with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones and always danced to Simply Red and Rod Stewart. She cherished sleepovers with her grandkids and exploring parts unknown with her family in little towns.
More than anything, Iris adored all the beauty around her with a life that was accessorized by her family and friends. Her children, Michelle and friend, John Simms, David and Jodi Takats; her grandchildren, Jackson and Gavin Klein, Myles, Joshua, Tatum and Ben Takats. In addition to her loving children and grandchildren, she was also surrounded by her brothers, Mike and Debbie Asher, Mark Asher and Jim and Esteva Asher; sisters, Myra Asher, Amy and Kelly Sprinkles; a host of family and friends, as well as her cat Shug Avery and her granddogs, Booker, Kash and Bea.
She was preceded in her death by her parents, Rutherford Preston and Roberta Deloris Marsee Asher.
A celebration of Iris’ bountiful bouquet of life will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Monday, March 6 at 4 P.M. with Rev. Larry Sowders officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Barbourville Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Jackson Klein, Gavin Klein, Myles Takats, Joshua Takats, Ben Takats, Zachary Asher, Austin Sprinkles and Clay Sprinkles. Serving as an honorary bearer will be her Godson, Ross Asher.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Monday after 2 P.M. until the service time.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of IRIS KAY ASHER.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
