Obituaries

Kelli Carden

Photo of Kelli Carden
Kelli Annette Orr Carden, age 50, of Bigelow, passed away February 3, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her family. She was born June 13, 1964, a daughter of Bill Orr and Pat Hatfield. Kelli was preceded in death by her twin brother, Kevin Anthony Orr; her father; step-father, Jack Hatfield; great-nephew, Thomas Barnett; grandparents, Mildred, Delbert and Ernestine Williams; and Bob and Opal Orr. She is survived by her husband, Chris Carden and son, Tristen of Bigelow, Arkansas; son, Denver Durham and granddaughter, Chaynler Durham of Conway, Arkansas; daughters, CJ Carden of Bigelow, Arkansas and Megan (Toby) Kraft of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; mother, Pat Hatfield of Perryville, Arkansas; sisters, Kim (Charley) Murphy of Springfield, Missouri and Kerri (Charles) Shackelford of Dallas, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends. Kelli was known for her independence and attitude of putting on no airs, with Kelli you got what you saw. One of her favorite T-shirts said it well: "I'm not rude…I just say what everyone else is thinking". She will be most remembered by family and friends for her ready smile and willingness to do whatever was needed for those she loved. Kelli assured her Mother that she knew the Lord and her Christian salvation was secure. Known as a fierce and protective Mama and Gammy, Kelli was a fixture at her boys sporting or school events. Her boys, Denver and Tristen, were the light of Kelli's life and granddaughter, Chaynler, was Kelli's treasure. Soul mate and husband, Chris, accompanied Kelli in her journey through life and stood by her in life's good times and not so good times. They enjoyed time spent together at Churckwagon Races, trail rides, cookouts, and sporting and family events. Kelli's mother, Pat may have summed it up best by acknowledging that Kelli always got the last word, which she is explaining to her brother, Kevin, in Heaven. Visitation will be Friday, February 6th from 6-8 p.m. at Perryville First Baptist Church. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. February 7th at Perryville First Baptist Church with Pastors Stanley Wallace and Dr. Stanley officiating, followed by burial at Volman Cemetery in Bigelow, Arkansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Perryville First Baptist Church Family Life Center. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.

Published February 5, 2015

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