Rena Kell, went to be with Jesus, Monday, February 4, 2019 after being wonderfully cared for at Methodist Nursing Home for many years. A native of Ft. Scott, Kansas, she was born October 9, 1927, to William and Viola Gray. Rena was married to Charles "Bad" Kell for 25 years prior to his passing in 1976.
She retired as the "donut lady" from the Grand Bakery. Rena was involved in many organizations including the Order of Eastern Star where she served in multiple positions on the local and state level; a Cub Scouts Den Mother for many years; PTA president for 4 years at Sutton Elementary School; taxi service to all the neighbor boys for baseball practices and games. Rena painted hundreds of oil paintings over the years and also enjoyed making ceramics. She also loved traveling with Eastern Star, and worked serving meals from the kitchen at First Baptist Church.
Rena adored her family and was full of life, loved art, music and crafts. She was a creative, candid and kind hearted soul who was also known for her quick and sassy wit.
Services celebrating Rena’s life will be at 10 a.m. at Edward's Funeral Home, Fort Smith, on Friday, February 8, 2019. Graveside services will follow at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith. Pastor Ben Anderson, of Woodlands Church, will be presiding.
Survivors include her three sons, John, C.C. "Buddy", and Steven (Darla) of Tennessee; five grandchildren, Jaime (John) Tran, Grace (Josh) Clark, Mandy Kell, Wesley (Abby) Kell and Sam Kell; six great-grandchildren, Katie Tran, Christopher Tran, Chloe Chadwell, Lucy Jones, Kingston Jones, and Alaina Clark; one sister, Alicia Gray; one brother, Mike Gray.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles C. "Bad" Kell, Jr.; and son, Jimmey Kell; her parents; two sisters and one brother.
Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
