Estella (Rinne) Gex Ashcraft 80

Former Kentucky resident Estella (Rinne) Ashcraft 80, died October 30, 2019 at Zon Beachside Assisted Living facility in Indian Harbour, Florida.  At her request, no service will be held.

Mrs. Ashcraft was born December 17, 1938, in Louisville, KY to Louis Edward Gex Jr. and Estella Yager Gex.  Mrs. Ashcraft graduated Carroll County High School.  After graduation she attended Baptist School of Nursing in Louisville, Kentucky.  While completing the nursing program she met and married Frederick Wayne Ashcraft in 1958. Mr. and Mrs. Ashcraft lived in Louisville until 1982 when they moved to Dunedin, Florida.  Mrs. Ashcraft moved to Indian Harbour, Florida in 2014 after her husband preceded her in death.

Rinne devoted most of her time to family, cooking, painting, gardening, jewelry making, and love for animals.  She was a devoted mother of two and cherished time spent with her family.

Rinne was very artistic and creative.  Her works were admired by others; from the recipes published in Southern Living magazine to the beautiful flowers she raised in her gardens. She was also known for her jewelry creations. She crafted jewelry from silver and precious stones, selling her wares at various shows.

Rinne’s love for animals was apparent through the dogs she raised and volunteer work at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.   While volunteering at the Aquarium she worked with the dolphin, Winter, from the movie Dolphin’s Tale; and authored and illustrated a children’s book on sea turtles.

Rinne Ashcraft is survived by: son, Brett Ashcraft and wife, Diann; daughter, Beth Arend and husband Rick; grandchildren: Scott Ashcraft, Traci Ashcraft, Christina Burgunder and husband Adam, A.J. Arend, Ben Arend; great grandchild: Aiden Ashcraft; sister: Claire Weldon and husband, Rick; brothers:  Louis Edward Gex III and Louis Edward Gex IV and wife Tonya.

Memorial contributions may be made to her favorite charitable organization; Wounded Warrior Project.