Rita Kelly

Rita Kelly, age 82, of Knoxville, TN, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at River Oaks Place in Loudon, TN.

Rita was born on April 22, 1944, in Bristol, VA. She grew up in Oak Ridge, TN, and attended Oak Ridge High School. After high school, she moved to Fort Myers Beach. From there, she moved to Raleigh, NC, where she met her future husband, Eugene Carpenter.

Her family and friends loved her witty and unconventional personality. She lived life on her own terms. Rita was a one-of-a-kind individual, and her absence will be felt acutely.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Kelly and Dorothy (Ayles) Kelly Midkiff, and her daughter, Sheila Carpenter.

She is survived by her children, Scott (Sharry Francia) Carpenter, John (Heather Calderone) Carpenter, Regina Carpenter, and Jillian Franklin; grandchildren Trent, Kyle, Shyla, Bryce, Bradleigh, and Peri; numerous great-grandchildren; and siblings Brenda (Tommy) Simpson, Paulette (Steve) Porter, and Karen (David) Moore.

Rita is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Delisa (Bill) Schubert and Deana (Don) Watson of Tennessee; Cindee Porter of Wyoming; Billy Porter of Oregon; and Lauren Bickers of California.

In addition, she leaves behind her dear cousin Chris (Valerie) Luethge of Tennessee.

The family would like to thank Trent Carpenter and Cheyenne Murray. We don’t know what we would have done without you.

Rita was lovingly honored by family and friends in a private ceremony in Oak Ridge.