Karen Arlene Ashford age 73 of the Gassaway community passed away Tuesday afternoon September 23, 2025, at Stones River Hospital ER in Woodbury, TN. 
She was born March 11, 1952, to her parents the late Edwin and Ruth Moss Dunn. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Darrel Ashford. 
Karen devoted her life to service in Cannon County through many capacities; she drove a school bus for 33 years, a county commissioner for 16 years, member of Gassaway Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years, and a dispatcher for 26 years. 
She was a member of Upper Helton Baptist Church in Alexandria, TN.   
She is survived by husband of 57 years, Wade Ashford of Liberty; daughter, Vallarie (Steve) Womack of Woodbury; 2 sons, Dewayne (Karlee) Ashford and Cory (Stephanie) Ashford both of Liberty;  grandchildren, Faith and Levi Womack, Shianne , Colby, Sierra, Madison and Baylee "Grace" Ashford; 2 sisters, Vicky (Nelson) Sandlin of Liberty and Carol Prater of Woodbury; 2 aunts, Juanita Carrick and Margaret Jackson. 
Funeral Services will be 11  AM Friday, September 26, 2025, at Upper Helton Baptist Church with Gary Hancock, Bro. Greg Mitchell, and Bro. Michael Hale officiating and burial to follow in Sycamore Cemetery.  Visitation will be Thursday 3 PM until 8 PM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel and Friday 9 AM until the time of the service at 11 AM at Upper Helton Baptist Church. 
In addition to flowers, the family ask that donations to be made to either the Gassaway Firehall, Sycamore Cemetery or Upper Helton Baptist Church, in memory of Karen.
DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Ashford family.