Alvena Kelchner

Alvena Irene Diveley Kelchner, 69 of Etowah went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 25, 2014 at 10:39am at Pardee Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.

Vena was born in Decatur, Illinois on October 19, 1944 to the late Francis Clifford Diveley and Christina Johanna Diveley. She is also preceded in death by a brother.

Vena was the loving mother of: Michael Walter Hafke of Clinton, NJ and Cynthia Hafke Folckemer of York, PA; seven grandchildren that she loved very much and wanted nothing more than to dote all her time on, Erik Hafke, Kirsten Hafke, Mikey Hafke, Dorothy Miller, Deanna I. Miller, Darren W. Miller, and Danielle Miller; a brother, David Diveley; and a sister, Elaine McKinney.

Vena will always be remembered for her love for her family, and that she lived and breathed for them. Her goals were to see her children and grandchildren grow up to love God, love life, to be honest and active members in society, and to give as the Lord gave. She accomplished this by reading to her children every night followed by prayers. Vena encouraged her children in family hymn sings as well. She never complained, rather always thought of others instead of herself.

Her hobbies included taking art and theatrical classes at Blue Ridge Community College, spending time with her many friends, hiking, craft fairs, cruises, and vacations. With a deep love of reading, she was a member of the Covington Book Club; and enjoyed scrapbooking with Henderson County Scrapbooking Club. She was a member of Mills River United Methodist Church where she was active in the MRLEC (a seniors ministry at the church), several bible study groups, and sang in the choir. Vena also tutored children in Brevard, as she had a love of learning she hoped to share.

She was a wonderful and tender soul with a jovial spirit that loved to laugh. Gone too soon, words cannot adequately describe how much this incredible woman will be missed.

A funeral service was held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at Mills River United Methodist Church.