Ashley Diane Rice Arant

Ashley Diane Rice Arant, age 40 of Paris, TN, died Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at her residence.

Ashley was a lover of people and life.  She enjoyed Jeep rides, walking her dog, playing the guitar, art, watching Formula One racing, spending time on her in-laws’ farm, and loving her nieces, nephews, and all animals.  Ashley graduated from Henry County High School in 2001, before attending Murray State University.  She was a member of Birds Creek Baptist Church.  Working as an educational assistant in the Henry County School System gave her immense joy.

On May 5, 2022, Ashley lost her husband and best friend of nearly 20 years, Seth Arant.

Born July 22, 1983, in Murray, KY, she was the daughter of Karen Redden Rice of Paris, and Gary (Susan) Rice of Buchanan, TN.

In addition to her parents, survivors include her American Bulldog, Vega; a sister, Leah (Buck) Watkins of Cottage Grove; a brother, Jeremy (Jennifer) Rice of Huntsville, AL; a stepsister, Abigail Frizzell; nieces, Lexie (Gavin) Watkins Gordon, and Ansley Rice; nephews, Berrett Watkins, Eli Rice, Will Rice, and Josh Rice; aunts, Anita Lipps, Shirley Wall, and Gail (Bud) Raspberry; uncle, Terry (Cindy) Rice, and many cousins and other extended family members.

Along with her family, Ashley was also survived by her late husband’s parents, Steve and Sharon Arant of Calloway County, KY; his siblings, Elle (Jereme) Rose and children, Caleb, Caroline, and Maddie, Jesse (Kady) Arant and children, Bella, Cole, Isaac, Steven, and Gillian, and Josh (Payton) Arant and children, Hayden, Townes, and Sullivan, all of whom she loved dearly.

A special friend to both Seth and Ashley, Tip Reed of Old Hickory, TN, also survives.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her grandparents, Thomas and Marcelle Rice, and Dorothy and Colie Redden; aunts and uncles, Joyce (Phillip) Moore, Billy (Virginia) Redden, Bobby Rice, and Billy Joe Wall.

Ridgeway Funeral Home 201 Dunlap St., Paris, TN 38242, will be handling the services. Memorial visitation will be held Sunday, September 17, 2023, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home.  A celebration of Ashley’s Life will begin at 7:00 pm with Craig Peevyhouse officiating.