Anna Rae Kelley

Anna Rae Kelley, 94, of Arden and formerly of Old Fort, passed away Sunday morning, November 23, 2025 at Biltmore Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation.

She was born in Evansville, Indiana on July 6, 1931 to the late William Kelley and Sarah Ethel Basden Kelley.

She was formerly employed in hydrotherapy, and she truly loved her work. Anna will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and infectious laugh. She enjoyed walking, reading, and working crossword puzzles. Her greatest joy in life was her family. A caring mother, she looked after her children all her life and would do anything for them. Anna was a lifelong, faithful Seventh-day Adventist.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth Beale and Wilma Walker, and one brother, Bill Kelley.

She is survived by four children, Marion Ezzell of Arden, Jack Freck (Patricia) of Old Fort, Jeanie Huffstetler of Charlotte, and Ron Freck (Lerio) of Arden; eleven grandchildren, Jason Anderson (Stephanie), Matthew Anderson (Jennifer), Christopher Ezzell (Kimberly), Mandy Platt (Ricky), Jack Freck, Jr. (Erin), Autumn Queen (Dan), Meghann Bush, Brandon Freck (Betty), Billy Freck (Emily), Heidi Dull (Jason), and Alex Freck; and a number of great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Pine Cove Cemetery in Old Fort. Pastor Tim Sheridan will officiate.