Ruth Kelley

Mrs. Ruth Ann McClaran Kelly, age 87, known as “Nannie” to many and loved by all, died Sunday, April 18, 2021 in Crossville, Tennessee.

Mrs. Kelley was born in Rutherford County and was a daughter of the late Aubrey and Lucy Pearl Tomlin McClaran. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Lawrence Kelley, who died in 2017, and a daughter, Barbara Henderson.

She was a member of Green Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Unionville, TN. For much of her life, Mrs. Kelley was a homemaker and devoted minister’s wife, but for many years she was the Pastry Supervisor at the famous Satsuma Tea Room in Nashville, Tennessee. Mrs. Kelley was a fan of the Tennessee Vols and was a very avid supporter of the Lady Vols. She was also known for being a fabulous Scrabble player and made words no one knew, except the scrabble dictionary.

Mrs. Kelley is survived by her daughter, Faye Coleman, Antioch, TN; sister, Barbara Matthaei, Eagleville, TN; brother, Jack McClaran, England; grandchildren, Robin (James) McElhaney, Rhonda Russell, Candace Mabrey, Gary Mabrey, Nicole Batson, Tiffany (Kenny) Coleman, Andrew Mayes; several great grandchildren; life long friends, Sara Jo and Clyde Winters.

Family members will receive friends on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon at Lawrence Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 noon from the chapel of Lawrence Funeral Home with Rev. Tommy Jobe officiating. Burial will follow in Rocky Glade Cemetery near Eagleville, TN.