Josephine Stidham Gish

Josephine Stidham Gish departed this world on July 1, 2025, at the age of 75, in Paris, Kentucky. Born on November 4, 1949, in Hyden, Kentucky, Josephine imbued her life with care, love, and an unwavering commitment to her friends and family. Known for her kindness, thoughtfulness, and selfless nature, Josephine was a light of warmth to all who knew her.
After 52 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Gary W. Gish, Josephine leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, seen not only through her enduring partnership but equally through the lives of her children, Christopher L. Gish and Andrew M. (Sheryl Durrum) Gish. Her adoring grandchildren, Samantha, Gregory, Justin, Shawn, Kristopher and Tierra, as well as several great-grandchildren, will remember their grandmother for her boundless affection and the sweet delight she took in their company.
Josephine’s empathy and caring extended to her siblings, sisters, Charlene Stidham and Teresa Gray, and brother Paul David Stidham, along with a host of cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. She joins in peace her late parents, Shelby Stidham, Sr. and Oonie Stidham, her grandson Sebastian Smith, and her siblings Boone, Shelby Jr., James, Sherry, Linda, and Georgia.
Professionally, Josephine was both a dedicated homemaker and a cherished waitress, touching the lives of those she served with her genuine concern and kindness. Her gentle heart found pleasure in life’s simple joys—playing Bingo, being a devoted fan of the Chicago series, including Med, Fire, and PD, and engaging daily with the characters of “The Price is Right” and “Days of our Lives.”
Josephine’s leisure time often found her boating on the serene waters of Laurel Lake, indulging in the tranquility of camping trips, and the patience of fishing. She embodied the spirit of familial connection, whether through cooking sumptuous meals, playing cards, or simply sharing laughter and stories over a chocolate shake.
Josephine Stidham Gish will be remembered not only for the actions she undertook and the passions she pursued but more profoundly for the atmosphere of tenderness and considerateness she cultivated in her wake. Her life was a lesson in the art of giving, and her memory a testament to the depth of her benevolence. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her spirit will continue in the lives of those she touched.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Saturday July 12, 2025, by Dr. Dewayne Walker at the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home Chapel, 1120 Main St., Paris, KY. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the hour of service at the funeral home.
The funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home Chapel, 1120 Main St., Paris, KY. The online guestbook is at www.luskmcfarland.com and a 24-hour funeral information line can be reached by calling 859-987-4387.