RON ASHLEY

EASLEY — Ron Ashley, 47, loving husband of 24 years to Toni Ashley, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at his home.

Born on March 27, 1979, in Greenville County, Ron was the beloved son of Ronnie Ashley and Darlene Boger. Ron was a man who cherished the simple joys of life and, above all, loved his family dearly. He enjoyed spending time on the golf course, cheering on Alabama football and making memories at the lake. His love for his family was evident in all that he did, and the memories he created with those he loved will be treasured forever.

Mr. Ashley is survived by his wife, Toni Ashley of the home; children, Amber Ashley and Buddy Ashley of the home; father, Ronnie Ashley (Suzette); mother, Darlene Booger (Joe); brother, Ryan Ashley; sister, Stacey Skinner; father-in-law, Tony Edwards; and brother-in-law, Billy Edwards.

Ron was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Debbie Edwards.

A graveside service was held on Aug. 18 at the cemetery of Peters Creek Baptist Church, located at 972 Shoals Creek Church Road in Easley.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Ashley family.

AIMÉE LEE BARRILLEAUX

EASLEY — On Aug. 13, 2026, the world got a little less colorful when Aimée Lee Barrilleaux left it — although anyone who knew Aimée knows she would probably insist that everyone else simply needs to step up their game.

Born Nov. 11, 1987, in Chalmette, La., Aimée carried New Orleans with her everywhere she went. It was in her personality, her loyalty, her sense of humor, her ability to make a friend just about anywhere and probably at least a little bit in her refusal to do anything quietly or conventionally.

Aimée understood something many people spend a lifetime figuring out — family has very little to do with DNA and everything to do with who shows up.

And Aimée built herself a truly wonderful family.

At the center of that family was her husband, Zach, along with her beloved fur baby, Drake; her cousins, Jamie Smith, Kaylin Smith, Cassidy Wall and Timothy Wall; her nieces and nephew, Savannah, Adalyn, Mallory and Rhett; and the “framily” she gathered along the way — Jason and Jacque Anders, Bailie and Genny Timmerman, Nathan and Blaike Medlin, Kirsten and Matt McCoy, Lionel Christian, Chelsea Houck and far too many others to ever fit into an obituary — which may be one of the greatest testaments to the way Aimée lived. She collected people wherever she went, and once she loved you, you were hers.

Waiting for her on the other side are loved ones who went before her, but we have to believe some were especially quick to meet her — her grandmother Nancy, her beloved Aunt B and her dog, Tillman. We can only imagine the reunion.

Cancer may have changed the ending of Aimée’s story, but it does not get credit for writing it.

Aimée wrote her own story — in classrooms, friendships, in her New Orleans roots and South Carolina memories, in a sailor named Zach, in dogs she adored, in kids who loved their Aunt Aimée and in a chosen family big enough to prove that sometimes the people we find along the way are the greatest gift we’re ever given.

Aimée leaves behind a world full of people who are better, louder, funnier, more loved and certainly more colorful because she was here. A lasting message that her family is grateful she left them with: “We don’t just live once, we live every day — eat the cake, wear the shoes, burn the special candle. Every day is a special day.”

So remember her exactly as she was. Tell the inappropriate stories. Wear the bright colors. Love people fiercely. Show up for them. Make the ordinary days count. Remember that love is love and love always wins. And every once in a while, cause just enough trouble that someone has to say, “Aimée would have loved this.” Because if there is one thing Aimée Lee Barrilleaux never needed help doing, it was leaving an impression.

Arrangements for a celebration of life are being made for a later date.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Barrilleaux-Anders family.

JOYCE G. BOLDING

PICKENS — Joyce G. Bolding, 79, loving wife of 38 years to Sam R. Bolding Jr., went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on Nov. 26, 1946, in Pickens County, Joyce was the beloved daughter of the late Ralph Vernon Gossett and Jessie Mae Rampey Gossett. She was a faithful member of Concord Baptist Church in Pickens and took great pride in her faith and community. Joyce was the proud owner of Furniture Showcase and Interior Design in Easley, where her passion for beautiful spaces and helping others was evident in all she did. She had a generous heart and truly enjoyed helping people in any way she could. Joyce treasured spending time with her family and especially enjoyed traveling with her husband, creating cherished memories along the way.

She also loved shopping and decorating, always bringing her own special touch and creativity to everything around her. Above all, Joyce will be remembered for her loving heart, generous spirit and the joy she found in the people she loved most.

Mrs. Bolding is survived by her husband, Sam R. Bolding Jr. of the home; daughter, Kim Valentin (David) of Pickens; grandchildren, Jordan and Justin; aunt, Wilma Kelley; cousin, Diane Rieck; best friends, Pam and Mike Brooks; along with many other loving family members.

In addition to her parents, Joyce was predeceased by her son, Scott Lyda; and her brother, Gary Gossett.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m.-noon Aug. 22 in the sanctuary of Concord Baptist Church, 723 Concord Church Road, Pickens, with a memorial service to follow at noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joyce’s honor may be made to Pickens County Meals on Wheels, 349 Edgemont Ave., Liberty, SC 29657.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Bolding family.

SUE ELLEN ‘NANNIE’ SMITH CHILDS

PICKENS — Sue Ellen “Nannie” Smith Childs, 95, loving wife to the late Adrian J. Childs, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, at Baptist Easley Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 12, 1931, in Pickens County, Nannie was the beloved daughter of the late Ernest B. Smith and Loe Pace Smith. Nannie was a cheerful and vibrant woman with a huge personality and a heart full of love. She was a woman of strong faith who openly shared her love for the Lord with those around her.

Nannie was known for her independent spirit and her warm, social nature. She never met a stranger and had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome. She was a true hugger who was always ready to share a smile and a warm embrace. Her mornings were often spent at Hardee’s, where she faithfully gathered with friends every Monday through Saturday, making it a cherished part of her daily routine.

She enjoyed working word search puzzles and, above all, loved spending time with her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the true joys of her life, and she treasured every moment she shared with them. Nannie’s loving heart, cheerful spirit, strong faith and larger-than-life personality will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Mrs. Childs is survived by her children, James Anthony “Tony” Childs (Beverly) of Anderson, Tim A. Childs (Theresa) of Greer, Susan C. Epperson (Jimmy) of Terrell, Texas, Barry H. Childs (Lisa) of Iva and Greg B. Childs (Jan) of Pickens; grandchildren, Dawn Sanders (Wes), Christian Childs (Traci), Jennifer Hendrix (Michael), Casey Garmendia (Louis), Jamie Oliver (Jacob), Megan Shipman (Andrew), Cory Childs and Cameron Childs (Devyn); great-grandchildren, Abi, Zach, Cale, Laurel, Micah, Jackson, Avery, Kelsey, Nolan, Payton, Anna and JP; brother, Jerry B. Smith (Ruth Ann) of Macon, Ga.; many nieces, nephews and other family members; her dearest friend and neighbor, Edith Wade, and many other very dear relations.

In addition to her husband and parents, Nannie was predeceased by two sisters, Martha Banks and Bobbie Pace, and a brother, Alvin C. Smith.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m.-noon Aug. 21 in the sanctuary of Pickens First Baptist Church, with a funeral service to follow at noon. Entombment will follow the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Nannie’s honor may be made to the Pickens First Baptist Church General Fund by mailing 406 E. Main St., Pickens, SC 29671 or by visiting fbcpickens.churchcenter.com/giving.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Childs family.

PAUL JAMES KIVLEHAN

EASLEY — Paul James Kivlehan, 84, loving husband of 65 years to Jeanne Velozo Kivlehan, passed away on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 18, 1942, in Brighton, Mass., Paul was the beloved son of the late Harold Kivlehan and Georgeanna Ovin Kivlehan. Paul cherished his family dearly and took great pride in the time he spent with those he loved. He had a unique and adventurous spirit and enjoyed junking and thrifting, always on the lookout for a hidden treasure or a good bargain. He had a passion for gambling, trying his luck with scratch-off tickets and keeping a close eye on the stock market. Paul was always interested in finding ways to turn an opportunity into a dollar. He also proudly earned his U.S. Coast Guard-approved captain’s license in the state of Florida, reflecting his love of the water and his adventurous nature.

Mr. Kivlehan is survived by his wife, Jeanne Velozo Kivlehan of Easley; son, Paul Kivlehan Jr. (Kris Dorton) of Easley; grandchildren, Kassaundra Brewer (Anthony) and Bailey Dorton; great-grandchildren, Austin Brewer, Bryleigh Brewer, Jadeyn Dorton Waters, Faith Dorton and Justice Dorton; and brother, Arthur Kivlehan (Cindy).

In addition to his parents, Paul was predeceased by 13 siblings.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Paul’s honor may be made to Agape Hospice, 3 Independence Point #105, Greenville, SC 29615.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Kivlehan family.

LOWELL WENDELL SMITH

EASLEY — Dr. Lowell W. Smith, DDS, Capt. (Ret.), U.S. Public Health Service, 94, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 6, 2026.

Born in Canyon, Texas, Lowell was the son of the late Oscar Smith and Minnie Hubbard Smith. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of almost 70 years, Gloria Jean Franklin Smith; his oldest son, Randy Smith; two brothers; and three sisters.

Lowell enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve during the Korean War and then became a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Public Health Service, where he served as a career officer for 30 years in clinical, epidemiology research and administrative roles. His research included the largest study of oral cancer ever conducted, and he served on the Surgeon General’s Committee on Smoking and Health in 1969. He held degrees from West Texas State College (BS), the University of Texas Dental School (DDS), the Medical College of Virginia (pathology), Harvard University School of Public Health (MPH) and George Washington University (M.Ed.). After retiring, he taught in the Dental Hygiene Department of Amarillo College for 12 years.

In retirement, Lowell and Gloria traveled full-time in their RV for seven years, visiting nearly every U.S. state and Canadian province.

A lifelong learner with many passions, he enjoyed ham radio, gardening, competitive games, storytelling and a daily exercise regimen he kept up well into his 90s. A longtime member of Easley First United Methodist Church, his deep faith showed in his heartfelt and tender prayers.

He is survived by his children, Patti Floyd (Peter) of Highland, Md., Rick Smith of Smithsburg, Md., Cheryl Watson (Neil) of Central and Carol Wright (Rick) of Easley, along with 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 21 at Easley First United Methodist Church, 115 W. 1st Ave., Easley, SC 29640.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Easley First United Methodist Church.

CAROLYN CHANDLER BOTTOMS

LIBERTY — Carolyn Chandler Bottoms, 83, loving wife to the late Buddy Bottoms, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, at Baptist Easley Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on Oct. 13, 1942, in Oconee County, Carolyn was the beloved daughter of the late Paul Chandler and Bessie Guinn Chandler.

Carolyn was a wonderful cook and took great pride in preparing delicious meals for her family, though she also enjoyed the occasional opportunity to sit back and enjoy a meal out. She cherished taking leisurely car rides with her husband, making memories along the way. Above all, Carolyn loved her family dearly, and her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart. She treasured watching them grow and took great joy in being a loving and devoted grandmother.

Mrs. Bottoms is survived by her son, Mike Bottoms (Angie) of Liberty; granddaughter, Rebecca Addison (Ryan); grandson, Jared Bottoms (Shelby); and great-grandchildren, Elliott, Charlie and Vera.

In addition to her husband and parents, Carolyn was predeceased by her three sisters, Mildred King, Pauline Stephens and Mary Singleton. Carolyn was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Funeral services were held on Aug. 17 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens. Burial was private.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Bottoms family.