It is with both sadness and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of our beloved wife and mother, Ellen Nora French Kegley, age 79, of Peterstown, West Virginia. She passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Heritage Hall in Rich Creek, Virginia.

Ellen was born on September 13, 1946, in Oakvale, West Virginia, to James Harvey French and Elsie Mae Cecil French. While in high school, she met the love of her life, Ralph Kegley, and they were married on August 30, 1962. From that day forward, they were inseparable. Together, they built a life rooted in love, raising five children in the Presbyterian faith.

As a young mother of four small children, Ellen made the courageous decision to return to school and pursue a career in nursing. She became a registered nurse and began a career that spanned over 40 years at what is now known as Carilion Giles Community Hospital in Pearisburg, Virginia. Her compassionate spirit touched hundreds of lives in nearly every corner of the hospital.

Ellen worked in the Emergency Room, Obstetrics, Home Health, and Med/Surg—caring for others with a calm and steady presence that earned the trust of patients and colleagues alike. Though soft-spoken and humble, her love for her patients was unmistakable. She didn’t need to say much—her compassion, gentle hands, and unwavering presence said it all.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, James Harvey French and Elsie Mae Cecil French; her sisters Louise Simpson and Faye Hickman; her brothers Keith French, Paul French, Tommy French, and Aubrey French.

Ellen is survived by her loving husband of almost 64 years, Ralph Kegley; her sister-in-law Barbara French of Alsey, IL; her five children, Dawn Simpkins (David) of Jonesborough, TN, Regina Wright (Frank) of Cloverdale, VA, Ralph Kegley, Jr. (Karen) of Yorktown, VA, Allison Craft (Mark) of Blacksburg, VA, and Melissa McCroskey (Charlie) of Peterstown, WV; her 15 grandchildren, Sean, Aaron, Aimee, James, Trisha, Shawna, Cody, Jonathan, Matthew, Lauren, Sara, Dylan, Christian, Mariah, and Justin; and her 28 great-grandchildren, Kayla, Riley, Audrey, Logan, Scarlett, Camden, Kathleen, Calliope, Sylvie, Chloe, Adam W., Isaac, Chelsea, Link, Ahri, Jase, Braedon, Kyrie, Levi, Adam R., Emma, Ella, Lana, Mila, Declan, Barrett, Liam, and Eliana; along with her beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends who will cherish her memory.

Our family is deeply grateful to the many wonderful aides, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who cared for our mother. Thank you for helping her through her illness with compassion, dignity, and grace.

Per Ellen's wishes, there will be no public service. Her family and extended family will gather at a later date for a private memorial to celebrate her life.

The Kegley family is in the care of Roselawn Funeral Home and Cemetery in Princeton, WV.