Ash Grove FFA Chapter helps clean up Kelley Cemetery

On Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, the Ash Grove FFA Chapter spent the day cleaning headstones at the Kelley Cemetery as a community service project.
In spite of cold, drizzly weather, 23 students including Alyssa Hancock, MacKenzie Lute, Jessica Wheeler, Hunter Wheeler, Cannon Palmer, Daniel Elliott, Alexis Long, Aaron Rolewicz, Luke Elliott, William Lampley, Michael Blaine, Dillon Magers, Emma Hancock, Sarah Norton, Drew Sullins, Madison Ware, Tanner Barker, Ben Hines, Zac Koczowroski, MaKenna Johnson, Jared Lobdell and advisor Nathan Isakson pulled garden hoses across the road to spray and scrub years of dirt and grime to honor those who walked the paths in our community before us.
A history lesson became evident as the group found and cleaned a headstone belonging to a Civil War veteran. When years of dirt and mold were removed, this monument was found to be a beautiful black and white marble.  That surprised even the board members of the cemetery who have been around for a number of years.  
It was also noted that veterans from WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam are buried in this small community cemetery.
Tom and Brenda Clair provided lunch to the group in their home.

Submmitted by Evelyn Johnson, Secretary, Kelley Cemetery Board of Directors