Mrs. Annie Edith Eldridge, age 84, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Lexington, Tennessee.
Mrs. Annie was one of six children born to the late Ed Ermer Dellingner and Annie Viola Sipes Dellingner. She grew up learning the values of hard work, faith, and family—principles that guided her throughout her life. A devoted Christian, Annie was a long-time member of Lexington Christian Church, where her faith was evident in both word and deed.
Annie spent many years working for BellSouth, retiring as a frame attendant. She took pride in her work and was known for her dependability and strong work ethic. In retirement, she embraced life fully, especially her love for travel. Wherever she went, her camera was never far away. Annie delighted in capturing moments, carefully organizing her photographs, and sharing those memories with family and friends.
While she enjoyed seeing new places, Annie’s greatest joy was always her family—especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Affectionately known as “Granny”, she cherished every moment spent with them and took immense pride in each one. Her love was steady, her presence comforting, and her home filled with warmth and stories.
Mrs. Annie is survived by her husband of over twenty-five years, Carl Eldridge; two sons, Richard Montgomery and his wife Deanna, and Bradley “BJ” Montgomery; two stepsons, Carl Eldridge and his wife Christine, and Brian Eldridge; and one stepdaughter, Cindy Eldridge. She also leaves behind two sisters, Stella Young and Beverly Martin; and one brother, Roy Dellingner and his wife Roberta.
Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Hunter (Lucy) Montgomery, Scott (Paige) Montgomery, Haley Montgomery, Chase Montgomery, Cameron Montgomery, Logan (Magan) Chesser, Torrie (Dustin) Diebold, Jared (Brittany) Eldridge, Austin Eldridge, Audrey (Heath) Jansen, and Melody Joy; and her great-grandchildren, Lily, Harper, Alivia, Elon and Ethan Montgomery, William, Braxton, Nolan, Emery, Caleb, Jasper, and Truett. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Annie was preceded in death by her sister, Joann Montgomery, and her brother, J.W. Dellingner.
Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Pafford Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Friday morning in the chapel of Pafford Funeral Home, with Pastor Andy Avery officiating. Interment will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Parkers Crossroads, Tennessee with Kurt Parlin, Mike Crucher, Tim Gilbert, Chuck Nichols, Gene Freeman, and Keith Doll serving as pall bearers.
