Darlene Kelly

Darlene Randolph Kelly, 71, of Shepherdsville, Kentucky, returned home to eternal rest with the Lord on February 5, 2026. Darlene was born March 12, 1954, to the late Wila “Dean” Randolph and Donald Randolph of Cookeville, Tennessee. She was a 1972 Graduate of Putnam County Senior High School.

She is survived by her loving husband, Steve Kelly; her children Holly Spiegle of Shelbyville, Kyle Skidmore (Dallas) of Shepherdsville, Jason Kelly (Callie) of Louisville; 6 grandchildren, Victoria and Michael Spiegl, Lawson, Ledger and Laswell Skidmore, and Atlas Kelly; her sister, Cheryl Harwell (John) of Hermitage, TN.

Darlene was a prayer warrior and exhibited Christ in her everyday life. During her years at Cedar Grove Baptist, she played piano, taught Sunday School, and led the Girls in Action Group. Darlene also played piano at Immanuel Baptist Church and was most recently a member of First Baptist Church in Mt. Washington, where she was a member of the choir and sang in the One Action Group.

She had a calming, kind spirit that was comforting to those around her. Darlene had a remarkably kind heart and performed acts of kindness whenever possible, exhibiting selflessness more often than anyone could know. She took great care to reach out to shut-ins and widows, keeping track of addresses for cards she would send for holidays and special occasions.

She was an example to her children and grandchildren in everything she did, from sending Bible verses for them to read to watching animated Bible stories, to having them help with Christmas Boxes, to volunteering with them at church food pantry. She cherished quality time with her grandchildren- baking, board or card games, and even late-night movies!

Darlene and Steve enjoyed the quiet of nature and God’s creation around them. They enjoyed many walks in Bernheim and even some in the Smokey Mountains with (the late) Murray Dog and Maggie Mae. Watching deer and hummingbirds was a shared love of theirs.

Darlene put her children before her career and returned to earn a college degree from Sullivan University while her children were in college. She recently retired from Johnson Controls after an accomplished career.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Darlene’s name to Kentucky Humane Society or Samaritan’s Purse.

Darlene’s Celebration of Life will be at Schoppenhorst, Underwood & Brooks on 4895 N. Preston Hwy. Visitation will be from 4 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Visitation continues at 9am on Friday with a service at 10:30am with Brother Mike Wyndham officiating. Burial will follow at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff, Kentucky.