Mary Ellen Hogan Kepley went to be with our Lord on November 16, 2011, following a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, John Henry Kepley; son John Timothy Kepley; and daughter Sandi Kepley Crawford. She was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis William and Alice Craig Hogan, along with brothers Carl, Vance, and Preston Hogan.
Ellen was adored by her four grandchildren, Amy Nicole Crawford; Susan Crawford Shaw; John Andrew “Drew” Kepley; and Margaret Ellen “Megen” Vesser. She was a precious mother-in-law to Joseph Crawford and Sharon S. Kepley. She will also be missed by two great grandchildren and playmates, Joseph and Addie Shaw along with family members Aaron Shaw, Audrey Williams, and Michael Vesser.
Ellen was born and raised in Orange County, where her family settled in the 1700’s along Homestead Road. She retired as Associate VP of Finance from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, working 37 years in South Building and later in the University’s General Administration offices on Raleigh Road.
Aside from her devotion to family, Ellen extended her “gift of hospitality” and Christian fellowship to countless visitors and members of her blessed Orange United Methodist Church. She had a hand in practically every ministry of the church, from the early years of choir membership and preparing worship bulletins every Saturday evening to volunteering daily, in her retirement, in the church office until this past January. She was the “face” of Orange Church to countless visitors, often expressing her joy in the church’s growth over the years. The family would like to thank past and present members and countless friends for their prayers, cards, food, phone calls and visits, throughout these past eight months.
A celebration of her life will be held 1:00pm Monday, Nov. 21 at Orange United Methodist Church.
The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of Orange United Methodist Church, in Chapel Hill, on Sunday, November 20 from 2:00 to 4:00pm.
Memorial contributions can be made to the building fund of Orange United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill. The family would also like to express their gratitude to UNC Hospice and Barbara McQueen for their care, making it possible for Ellen to pass from this world peacefully from the home that she and John built on Crawford Dairy Road.
Ellen Kepley was indeed the face, heart and soul of Orange United Methodist Church. Her faith and dedication to the Church, and the Lord should be an inspiration to all of us. The work she has put into the Church, its ministry, and mission will be truly missed. She has given a lifetime to being a true Missionary to our community. I don’t know what Heaven is like, but I can tell you this, It’s running a lot smoother than it was 2 days ago.
I remember Ellen fondly from my time at Orange UMC in the early 90’s. May her family be comforted during this time of mourning and forever celebrate her life.
Ellen Kepley helped me fight through the University Administration and Budget Procedures from the day I arrived in 1965. She was always helpful and I would never have been successful without her in building an Administrative Computer Organization! My sympathy to the family for this loss!
Through God’s divine grace He allowed me to serve in ministry alongside Ellen. My life has been transformed by her love, care, friendship, and abundant life she shared! I adore her life and family which I have been so blessed to share!
I had the opportunity to meet Ellen when I was very new to the State/University system. She was a true professional who understood the university system inside and out.I am not surprised now to read about all of her work in the community and in church. Her faith was witnessed by all who worked with her.