Kelby Fritts

OLD FORT — Kelby Johnanna Ruth Fritts, 18, passed away on Monday, Aug. 6, 2018, at a local hospital. She graduated Polk County high school where she was the Salutatorian of her class. She was a two sport athlete for the Lady Wildcats playing on the basketball and softball team where she had many achievements. She was an all district softball player during the 2015, 2017 and 2018 seasons as well as receiving the 2018 District 5AA defensive player of the year award. On top of playing for the lady wildcats she also played travel softball in the off season and had a great passion for the game. In the fall she would have attended the University of Tennessee Chattanooga where she had received numerous academic scholarships as well as local scholarships. With her infectious smile and her kind hugs, Kelby was able to touch the hearts of everyone she came in contact with. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. A born again Christian, Kelby attended several churches but her love and where she felt at home was Family Worship in Cleveland. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Mary White and John Fritts. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her mother, Rhonda McKnight of Old Fort, Tenn.; father, Gordon Fritts of Madisonville, Tenn.; siblings, Clee McKnight (Priscilla) of Delano, Tenn., and Deedee Fritts of Old Fort, Tenn.; grandparents, Bill and Lilly Silvers of Old Fort, Tenn.; special aunt, Marie Baldwin of Old Fort, Tenn.; special friend, Dustin Ward of Benton, Tenn. whom she loved very much. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 13, 2018, at Family Worship Center located at 4271 Dalton Pike SE in Cleveland, Tenn. A Celebration of life service will be held at the church at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 14, with eulogies by Pam Hindman, Ashli Brown, Skylar Hatcher, Dawson Davis and Ben Baxter. Reverend Issiac Walker will officiate the service. Special music will be provided by her friend and teammate Kallie Hawkins. The interment to follow in Conasauga Community Cemetery with Marie Baldwin, Eddie Baldwin, Bill Silvers, Johnny Waldroup, Mike Worley and Ben Baxter serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will include Barry Ensley, Harmon Hardin, Dawson Davis and Richard Mason. You are invited to share a personal memory of Kelby or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral and Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist the Fritts family with these arrangements.