Ronnie Ashley “Butch” Bernard, 74, of Russell Springs, KY passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at his home on the farm of his grandparents. He was born March 27, 1951, a son of the late Johnny Green and Martha Stephens Bernard.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Sandy Stephens Bernard.
Butch graduated with the Russell County High School Class of 1969. He was reared, lived, and died within one mile of the farm on which he was born. Except for recent hospital stays, he spent very few nights in his 74 years away from Bernard Ridge.
Butch attended Somerset Vocational School, attended Bernard Ridge Church of God, was on the board of Lucinda Cemetery, worked as a carpenter and at Fruit of the Loom, and was an avid reader; but his vocation was as a farmer. He cherished farm life with his wife, the late Sandy Stephens Bernard. In addition to growing tobacco, hay, soybeans, vegetable gardens, and flowers, Butch’s love and passion was his animals from his childhood horse, Old Dutch, to the dogs, cats, cows, rabbits, chickens, and donkeys to whom he provided devoted care until his death.
SURVIVORS:
3 sisters: Rosalie Loy & husband Arvis of Jamestown, Donna Hopkins & husband Tony of Mount Vernon, and Connie Foster & husband Junior of Russell Springs
Nieces & nephews: Jeron Loy & wife Jennifer, Beth Foster, Maria Bryant & husband Jamie, Ken Hopkins & wife Serenity, Bretta Foster, Bridget Clark & husband Stephen, Stephen Hopkins, and Benjamin Foster & wife Jamie
14 great-nephews & nieces and one great-great niece
Special friend: Joyce Martin
Many cousins & extended family members
Bernard Ridge Church of God, Bernard Ridge community, and Russell County loved ones
At Butch’s request, a graveside service will be held at the Lucinda Cemetery on Bernard Ridge. All who wish to remember Butch and celebrate his life are invited to the graveside service at 1:00pmCT on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Bernard Ridge Church of God.
Funeral arrangements for are under the care and direction of Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.
