Raelene J. Kral

Raelene J. (Kelley) Kral, 84, of Trafalgar, IN passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

She was born August 17, 1942 in La Porte, IN. Raelene married William "Bill" Kral on September 28, 1963 in Blue Island, IL; he preceded her in death on January 2, 2025.

Raelene was a loving homemaker. She started her working career as an IBM keypunch operator in Chicago, IL. After moving to Indiana, she began working as an embroidery machine operator at the Franklin Mills later known as the Garment Factory in Franklin, IN and at the Johnson Memorial Hospital day care, where she took care of “her” babies.

Raelene loved family camping trips and camping with her husband at Friendship. She was always coming up with special surprises and playing tricks on the group. Raelene along with her husband Bill, enjoyed traveling to destinations in Alaska, Hawaii, Aruba and a Caribbean cruise.

She enjoyed reading, writing, camping, antiquing, traveling, gardening, tending to her irises, growing and preserving vegetables, and was famous for her homemade applesauce, relish, apple pies and popcorn balls.

Raelene was an avid reader and enjoyed trips to the library with Bill. She was forever working around a puzzle on the kitchen table. She treasured time with family playing games, and even had a card game named after her - Raelene's Rummy - because she could hardly be beat.

She had served as a Girl Scout Leader, sharing her love of sewing and craftiness with her troops. Raelene enjoyed volunteering as an adult literacy teacher, PTA Board member, room mother and a driver for Johnson County Senior Services. She later enjoyed working with Franklin Community Elementary students through Study Connection.

An avid Indianapolis Colt's fan, she enjoyed watching all the teams play, and would host loud Super Bowl parties.

Raelene loved her family fiercely and would do anything to help anyone in need. She was an avid supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Survivors include her children Wendy S. Arp (Brian) of Franklin, IN, Jennifer A. Smith of Trafalgar, IN and Thomas R.Kral of Franklin, IN, her grandchildren Matthew Arp (Meredith), Megan Cleary (Patrick), Michael Arp (Piper), William Arp (Emily Moser), Boone Smith (Maddie), Olivia Kral, great-grandchildren Luna Arp, Levi Arp, Ivy Arp, Benjamin Arp, Nolan Arp, Garrett Smith and Lennox Arp, and her sister Donna Podkulski of Tinkey Park, IL.

She was preceded in death by her father Raymond Matthew Kelley, her mother Dorothy Evelyn (George) Ackerson, her husband William "Bill" Kral, a sister Norma Ford, and her brother Robert Perry.

A time of gathering and sharing will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 2PM until 4PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.

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