WAYNESVILLE — Today, Wednesday, October 14, 2026 Mrs. Ruthann “Linda” Kelly won her final battle here on earth and today, we celebrate and would like to announce she has officially gone home to spend eternity with Jesus!
Mrs. Kelly, 78 of Waynesville, can begin her eternal life in Heaven while her legacy and testimonies carry on through her Friends and family.
Early in life, Mrs. Kelly was forced into an early retirement when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Thirty-six years and she never let it break her spirit. As a retired waitress and taxidermist, she and her husband made many life-long friends all over the world.
Mrs. Kelly was a faithful Christian, wife and mother. She never met a stranger no matter where she was. She would welcome you with a big smile and open arms for a big ole’ hug.
Mrs. Kelly was a devoted faithful Christian who was baptized in 1977 at Waynesville Missionary Baptist Church. She thoroughly enjoyed helping her Church family and friends as they worked together weekly feeding and clothing our community.
Mrs. Kelly also enjoyed trail riding her horses with friends, softball games, team pennings and the fun “horse” shows for the children.
In her spare time, you would find Mrs. Kelly helping out at her Church pantry or working hard in her yard, flower beds — that’s only after she mowed the lawn repeatedly.
Mrs. Kelly was preceeded in death by her husband of 56 years, the late Mr. Jim Kelly; her parents Mary and David Massey, a sister, Miriam Giodaro; brothers, Rubin and Bill Massey; and a niece, Patti Fitzgerald.
She is survived by her three daughters, Cathy and Susie Kelly of Waynesville, and Julie (Mike) Scott of Waynesville; two grandchildren, Mikey (Taylour) Rhoden of Waynesville and Destiny (Zane) Gulley of Brunswick; a great granddaughter, (Everleigh Kelly); three great grandsons, Ryker and Myles Rhoden, and Tate Gulley); and three nephews, Timmy Fitzgerald, Larry Quinn and Brian (Dawn) Quinn.
A memorial service was held Friday, October 16, 2026 at Waynesville Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Trey Keene and Rev. Randy Wainright officiating.
Honorary pallbearers were Mikey Rhoden, Timmy Fitzgerald, Brian Quinn, Larry Quinn, Wayne Burcham, Anthony Manibusan, Greg Louge and Mark Godfrey.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to CLL Foundation and Georgia Hospice Care of Waycross.
The family would like to thank all medical staff at Georgia Hospice Care of Waycross, who made her final transition over to her eternal life with Jesus!
A Special Thank You to Mrs. Kristen Finken and Mrs. Jessica O’Berry for going above and beyond the call of duty. May God Continue to Bless You Ladies. We love y’all.
Frye Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Kelly
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