Charlotte Ann Kelley, 79, of Adair, Oklahoma, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Charlotte was born to James and Evelyn (Long) Jenkins and grew up with strong family values that guided her throughout her life. She graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1964 and later that year married the love of her life, Daniel Kelley, on November 7, 1964.

Charlotte often shared the story of how she met Dan in 1962 through her brother, Ronald. She was just sixteen when they began dating, and on January 7, 1963 — Dan’s birthday — he gave her his class ring, marking the start of their journey together. The two saved spare change in a piggy bank to buy her engagement ring, and on December 7, 1963, they purchased her wedding set in Tulsa. Eleven months later, on November 7, 1964, they were married in a simple home ceremony — just the way Charlotte liked it. She lovingly noted how “seven and eleven” became special numbers in their family, woven through their marriage and the births of their daughters, a detail she cherished and passed down as part of their family story . Together, Charlotte and Dan built a beautiful life rooted in faith, family, and hard work.

Charlotte wore many hats over the years, working a variety of jobs, but her most fulfilling role was serving as a paraprofessional at Adair Public Schools. She had a heart for children and found great purpose in helping students learn and grow.

At home, Charlotte was happiest creating memories with her family. She loved crocheting, working puzzle books (especially Sudoku), cooking hearty meals, and baking pies — always from scratch, right down to her homemade pie crusts. She looked forward to planning and attending the family’s yearly camping trips to Spavinaw State Park and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her children and grandchildren at school events and sporting activities.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Evelyn (Long) Jenkins; three brothers; one sister; a niece; and two nephews. 

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Daniel Kelley, of the home; daughters Deanna Baxter and husband John of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Danette Riddle and husband Eric of Adair, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, Alex Kelley, Hayley Thompson, Lynsey Baxter, Shelby Bell, Sydney Baxter, and Maycey Baxter; three great-grandchildren, Khloie Kelley, Charlotte Thompson, and Raylan Thompson; along with many other relatives and dear friends.

Visitation services will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Shipman’s Funeral Home in Pryor. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. To leave the family a message, please visit Charlotte’s tribute wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.