Sara Ruth (Vest) Kelley

Sara Ruth (Vest) Kelley, 87 of Sherwood, AR passed away Tuesday, August 9, 2022.  She was born October 19th, 1934 to Chiefton Bernard Vest and Ruth (Jones) Vest of Batesville. 

Sara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 64 years, Sammy Joe Kelley, and great-grand daughter, Sophia Rose Snowden.  She is survived by her three children, Ruthann (Kelley) Barrington (Rick) of North Little Rock, Danny Kelley of Sherwood, and David Kelley-Stroman (Brock) of Mayflower; Three grandchildren, Jason Norton (Kate) of Clarksville, Kelley Norton of North Little Rock, and Daniel Kelley (Jessica) of Conway; Two great-grandchildren, Olive Lucille Norton and Emma Marie Smith.  Sara is also survived by an Aunt, Mary Lynn Jones (Bill) of Jordon and Sister-in-Law, Danna Kelley (Stan) of Jonesboro and many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Sara was a member of the Open Door Community Church of Sherwood and a former member of the First United Methodist Church of Bald Knob.  She and her husband, Sam, owned Kelley’s Restaurant in Bald Knob from 1960 to 1999.  They both enjoyed playing golf and were founding members of the Bald Knob Country Club.  She participated in the Bald Knob Country Club Women’s Golf Association.  She was also a member of the Late Bloomers Garden Club of Bald Knob. 

The family would like to express their heart felt appreciation to the nurses and doctors who cared for their mother, especially: Dr. Jay D. Geoghagan, Dr. Sauer, Dr. O, Dr. Bobby Jo Widders and Nurse Makayla McBride.

Sara will be missed by her many friends and especially her family.  Her celebration of life will be Thursday, August 18 at Smith Family Funeral Home North Little Rock, with Pastor Randy McCain officiating.  (Visitation 10 a.m.  Service 11 a.m.) There will be a brief ceremony at the Arkansas State Veteran’s Cemetery in North Little Rock 1 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Open Door Community Church, 709 West Lee Avenue, Sherwood, AR 72120, or your favorite charity. 

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-758-1170.