Kelly (Arrington) Rackley Obituary

Kelly Lynn Arrington Rackley, age 56, crossed the finish line of this life into the welcoming arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Born on Tuesday, October 1, 1968, in Little Rock, AR, Kelly was the first-born child of Bob and Mary Kate Arrington. Their brown-eyed girl captured their hearts and much of their sleep during her early years. Kelly was the most amazing big sister to Kathy, Jon, and Lydia.

Kelly grew up in Little Rock, AR, where she put her faith in Jesus at the age of seven. She also called Mesquite, TX; Rockwall, TX; Kampala, Uganda; Gulu, Uganda; and Nimule, South Sudan, home. Kelly went by many names and fulfilled countless roles in the lives of those who knew and loved her: daughter, sister, friend, Aunt Kelly, mentor, coach, missionary, teacher, wife, Mama, Mom, Marmee, Maisie. All of these titles encompass her life’s work and greatest calling: her family.

On August 7, 1993, Kelly married her best friend Scott Rackley, the man who would love her devotedly for the rest of her days. In over thirty-one years of marriage, they grew more in their love for each other and in their faith and trust in Jesus. Scott has rightly said that Kelly had the amazing ability to multiply herself. She multiplied her love, her care, her affection, her generosity—there was always enough to share. And no one knew this more deeply than her eight children: Katelyn, Josh, Melissa, Benji, Laura, Nate, Annie, and Garrett. She brought sparkles of light and joy to their lives as their teacher, friend, confidante, role model...their Marmee. She taught them about Jesus and showed them how to follow Him.

One of Kelly’s favorite titles was Maisie, for this was who she was to her precious grandchildren: Alton, Owen, Ollie, and Reese. And Kelly ached with anticipation of her newest grandbaby, affectionately called “baby Rachel,” due in March. Kelly lived out love for her precious grandchildren, readily traveling to Texas or Oklahoma to spend time with them and always filling overnight stays at Maisie’s and Papa’s with cherished memories.

If you knew Kelly, you knew sacrificial love. You knew acceptance. You were seen. You were listened to and heard. You saw grace in action. You heard truth-talking. You found safety and refuge. You witnessed a life lived in thankfulness. You were blessed. Kelly’s name means “warrior.” While she lived her life creating peace in her home and bringing comfort and encouragement to others, the battles she fought were on her knees, interceding with her Savior for those she loved so dearly. She lived well. She loved well. She finished well. Her life has truly just begun.

Kelly leaves behind so many who cherish her: her loving husband Scott; her children - Katelyn (William) Reeves, Joshua (Sydney) Rackley, Melissa (Gabe) Webb, Benji (Madeline) Rackley, Laura (Jake) Bridges, Nate Rackley, Anne Rackley, and Garrett Rackley; her grandchildren  - Alton Scott Reeves, Owen Edward Reeves, Olivia Lynn Rackley, Joshua Reese Rackley, and Baby Girl Bridges; her parents Bob and Mary Kate Arrington; her sisters and brother, Kathy (Ron) Christiansen, Jonathan (Nikki) Arrington, Lydia (Bobby) Paine; adoring nieces and nephews; beloved cousins; precious friends.

Kelly was preceded in death by her grandparents Gladys and Emil Sonneman and Mary and Gene Arrington and her father-in-law Gary Rackley.

A celebration of Kelly’s life will be held on March 20, 2025, at Redeemer Community Church, 11512 W David O Dodd Rd, Little Rock, AR 72204. Visitation begins at 2:00 and the service will be held at 3:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial gifts be made to Redeemer Community Church in Kelly’s name. Redeemer Community Church, P.O. Box 26677, Little Rock, AR 72221

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com