Ada Rose Gillispie

Ada Rose Gillispie, 77, passed away on January 4, 2026, at her home in Nicholasville, Kentucky, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 20, 1948, in Midway, Kentucky, Ada is the daughter of the late George Thomas and Rosie Downs and the wife of the late Ernest Gillispie, to whom she was married for 30 years.
Ada developed a spunky and sassy spirit from a young age. She loved to laugh and had a mischievous sense of humor. She was stubborn, strong, and willful in life, but also kind and gentle to everyone who knew her. She raised four daughters and worked as a seamstress for several decades. She made heirloom quilts for all of her grandchildren so that they knew they were loved. Her great-grandchildren kept her young at heart, and she was always ready with candy in her purse. Above all, she loved to sit on her porch with a cup of coffee and quietly observe the world around her. Ada's enduring spunk, sense of humor, and love for her family will be forever cherished and deeply missed.
Ada is survived by her children: Lisa (Brian) Smith of Nicholasville; Robin (Jorge) Espinoza of Versailles; Judy (Brandy) Lancaster of Versailles; and Karen (Sean) Grills of Frankfort. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Sarah, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Ian, Katelyn, and Emily; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of other loving family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest; her parents, George and Rosie; and her siblings Anna Bell Emerson, Harshall Downs, Dorothy Brown, Alvin Downs, Walter Downs, Sherrill Downs, Jeanette Traugott, George Downs, and James Downs. She is survived by her siblings Cloyd Downs and Virginia Smith.
The family appreciates the love and support that they have received. Ada did not want her family and friends to mourn her passing, but to celebrate life and find joy. Per Ada's request, there will be no visitation or service. A private celebration of life has been scheduled at a later date. Friends and family are encouraged to leave a note on Ada's tribute wall at www.blackburnandward.com.