Stephen "Steve" Wayne Childers

A Life Remembered: Stephen “Steve” Wayne Childers It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Stephen “Steve” Wayne Childers. Born in Ashland, KY on February 15, 1966, to Stephen Douglas “Doug” Childers and Grace Marie (Henry) Moore, Steve’s infectious personality and kind heart will be deeply missed. A true artist in the world of horticulture, Steve graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a bachelor's degree in the subject. He poured his immense talent and passion into the Childers’ family business, South Ashland Greenhouse and Wildwood Nursery. His ability to cultivate beautiful flowers, trees and shrubs was surpassed only by his talent for cultivating friendships. Steve had a rare gift for making everyone feel like a cherished friend, and his warm smile and charm could brighten any room. A lifelong and passionate Tomcat fan, Steve's loyalty to his hometown team was unwavering. Having been a talented multi-sport athlete in the Ashland school system himself, he carried that love for the game with him always. He is lovingly remembered by his mother, Grace Marie (Henry) Moore; his brother, Todd Childers, sister-in-law, Angela (Borders) Childers; and his adoring nieces, Sarah (Hall) Albrecht and her husband Devon, Emily (Hall) Powell and her husband Ian, and Shelby (Hall) Cox and her husband Cody. Steve also leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins, too many to name individually, who will forever cherish their memories of him. He is now reunited with his father, Doug; sister, Staci, paternal grandparents, Ralph and June (Moore) Childers; and maternal grandparents, James and Cathrine (Bayless) Darby, and beloved aunts Nancy (Darby) Waugh, and Sandra (Dixon) Childers and uncle Sherman Henry. Family and friends are invited to gather and share memories from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm on Friday, May 22, 2026 at Miller Funeral Home, 1941 Carter Avenue, Ashland, KY 41101. A short service will be held beginning at 12:30 pm to express gratitude to the many families, friends, doctors, nurses, caregivers, therapists, and medical staff who were so crucial to Steve’s happiness throughout his adult life. In a private ceremony, Steve will be laid to rest alongside his father and sister at Ashland Cemetery Mausoleum. In his honor, donations can be made to the Ashland Putnam Stadium Restoration Foundation, 1520 Lexington Ave, Ashland, KY 41101 or Ashland Community Hospice, 1480 Carter Avenue, Ashland, KY 41101.

Stephen "Steve" Wayne Childers

February 15, 1966 - May 18, 2026