Ruth Eileen Kegley

Mrs. Ruth Eileen (Fouch) Kegley, 89, left her home on Country Club Drive in Morehead, Kentucky bound for her eternal heavenly home on Tuesday, August 21, 2018.

Born on October 26, 1928 and living her formative years in the Holly Fork, Campbell Branch Community of Rowan County, Eileen cherished those years with her parents, Ora Melvin Hamm and Dessie Myrtle (Coldiron) Hamm.  Time spent with grandparents, Ma, Julia (Thompson) Hamm and Pa, Joseph Hamm, a loving Aunt Ona and Uncle Amos Thompson and very special cousins, Ithel, Eathel, and Ezra were among Eileen’s favorite memories.

She also shared a special love with her childhood sweetheart and spouse of 67 years, Delbert C. Kegley, whom she wed July 8, 1949.  Delbert preceded her in death on May 7, 2016.

Her four children, Larry Kegley (Sharon) of Lincoln Park, Michigan, William F. Kegley of Morehead, Linda Murray (Bill) of Grayson, and Delene “Dee” Gilkerson (Randy) of Morehead were especially blessed to have such a loving, caring “Mom”.  Eileen was “Grandma, Grandmother and Munner” to grandsons, David, Justin, and Jason Kegley, Nathan and Marcus Murray, Chris and Adam Riddle, granddaughter, Elisabeth Riddle, and eighteen great-grandchildren who brought her great joy.  She is also survived by brother, Tommy Fouch, brother-in-law, David F. Kegley, sisters-in-law, Kay Callahan, Donna Arnold (Gary), and Diane Kegley, many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

Eileen was well known for having a heart for others, exemplified as she greeted patrons with her beautiful smile and loving spirit the many years she and Delbert owned and operated the Kegley General Store in Haldeman, Kentucky.  She continued sharing her heart for others throughout her career with the Kentucky Department of Social Services until retirement in 1997, where she encouraged and implemented positive changes in the lives of families throughout the Rowan County Community.

A devoted member of the Morehead First Church of the Nazarene for more than 50 years, Eileen also attended the Clearfield Tabernacle First Church of God and the Clearwater First Church of the Nazarene in Clearwater, Florida.  For more than 70 years, Eileen lived her life as a true example of a fine Christian lady and a follower of Christ.

Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, August 25, 2018 in the chapel of the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Morehead with Pastor Tim Thomas officiating.

Visitation is from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home.

Ruth Eileen Kegley will be laid to rest in the Adams-Plank Cemetery at Cranston with beloved grandsons serving as pallbearers.

Contributions are suggested to the Morehead First Church of the Nazarene, 606 Fraley Drive, Morehead, Kentucky  40351.

The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Morehead is caring for all arrangements.