In loving memory of

Carol R. Kenyon
November 26, 1926 - February 4, 2020

Carol Ruth Richter Kenyon was born on November 26, 1926, on her parents' farm near Anita, Iowa. She was born to Ralph and Ruth Richter and had two siblings, Richard and Ganelle.

She graduated from Anita High School in 1944 where she earned a teaching certificate and taught in Cass County for six years.

Carol moved to Shenandoah in 1956 where she met Harold Kenyon when they worked together at the Montgomery Ward department store. They married in December of that same year. In August, 1957, their daughter, Cheri, was born. In 1958, Harold and Carol built their house at 1210 Vista Ave. where they lived the remainder of their lives.

Carol worked at the Shenandoah Hospital and Shenandoah Medical Clinic for 10 years. When a job opportunity became available, she worked for the Shenandoah community school district in the elementary school and in 1972, became the middle school secretary. She retired from there after 23 years.

Harold, Carol and Cheri enjoyed traveling - first in a travel trailer and later by car. They visited family and friends in over 20 states, including Hawaii. Later, Cheri worked with the federal government and was stationed in Panama. Harold and Carol had the opportunity to visit her there several times and it was one of the highlights of their travels.

After 52 years of marriage, Harold passed away in October 2008. Since his passing, Carol enjoyed visiting Cheri and Diane in Miami, Florida, and Asheville, North Carolina. Carol was also a member of the Community of Christ Church in Shenandoah for 60 years.

Volunteering for the American Red Cross was an important part of Carol's life. After retirement, she spent many hours helping at the blood drives, soliciting volunteers and donating blood and she did this for more than 20 years. In 2010, Carol received a prestigious award for her dedication to the Red Cross.

Carol passed away on February 4, 2020. She was 93 years old. Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, her parents, Ralph and Ruth, her brother, Richard and his wife Frances, and her sister Ganelle. She is survived by her daughter, Cheri, and Cheri's partner Diane, her brother-in-law Dwight Kullbom, many beloved nieces and nephews, and the Knight, Morrison and Croll families.

Celebration of life memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Community of Christ Church in Shenandoah. Memorial visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2020 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. Burial of cremains will be held at a later date at Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. Memorials may be directed to People for Paws or Orma's Orphans.

Tributes

Karen Norton wrote on Mar 2, 2020:

"Cheri- Your mom was one of my first mentors in the work world. She was extremely classy, caring, honest, and supportive. She was most willing to share her life's knowledge to help others be successful in there's. You knew were you stood with your mom, as she always gave it her all in every aspect of her life. Her guidance helped shape my work ethic, and also provided me with the confidence as a working mom. I valued her friendship, and shared much laughter while we working together. She was "easy" to be around. May she rest in peace. "

Donna Niedermyer wrote on Feb 27, 2020:

"I had the honor of having Mrs. Kenyon in my life for too short of a time. We hit it off the minute we met each other. She would always ask me my name and if I was married. She had the brightest smile, eyes that danced right into your heart and a cute little giggle. She would hold my face in her hands and say "I am so happy we are friends." I would give her a big hug and tell her I loved her. She was so easy to love. Then she would stand at the door and watch as I was leaving. I would wave real big and she'd have a little wave with the smile of a little girl as I drove away. I miss her so much. God Be With You Cheri. With much love Donna Hamilton"

Brenda Morehouse wrote on Feb 24, 2020:

"I was privileged to get to know Carol through the Red Cross. She was a sweetheart and will be missed by all who knew her! RIP Carol!"

Barb Andersen Rogers wrote on Feb 11, 2020:

"Oh Cheree. Your mom was so awesome. Always smiling in the office, even when I was in trouble. My mom loved her too. Whatever she needed, Carol could find it or get it. "

Lee Sorensen wrote on Feb 8, 2020:

"Carol was a very gracious person to all who knew her. We need more Carols in our world today."

Jan and Tom Stevenson wrote on Feb 7, 2020:

"Cheri, our hearts go out to you. Your Mom was a comfort and safe port for so many of us at the Middle School, Teachers, Staff and Students! She always had a smile and pleasant conversation wherever and whenever, I saw her! She will certainly missed by many! ??"

Suzanne (Rolf) Boon wrote on Feb 7, 2020:

"Cheri - my sincere condolences on your mother's passing. She was the sweetest lady and was so patient with all of us in the office at the junior high... she was perfect at that position. I was fortunate enough to see Mrs. Kenyon when I took my Mom in to get her hair done while getting ready for Terry's funeral in July 2018. She told me that you had called her that day and told you how close you and Terry were and that you were so distraught on hearing the news that you couldn't function that day. It was so wonderful to see her that day and I, as well as my Mom, appreciated hearing that story at that time and how much he meant to others, let alone his family. My prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Suzanne (Rolf) Boon, Parker, Colorado"

Tom and Shirley Kagay wrote on Feb 7, 2020:

"Cheri, we were sorry to hear of your mother's passing. After the high school moved to the new building, I was still teaching some classes at the old building. Mrs. Kenyon was in the office. She was the person I went to when I needed something. She never failed to cheerfully help me with whatever I needed. Shirley and I both enjoyed visiting with her as a parent when you were in our classes. She was always sweet, polite, and friendly. Our deepest sympathy."

Jackie Harms wrote on Feb 6, 2020:

"I have some fond memories of your mother, Cheri. From being our brownie troop leader, my ?bestie?s? mother, my children?s connection at school, to sitting on the bleachers with her at Jason?s basketball games ( she got as excited as I did:-) ). But the fondest memories are the way she made me feel....,loved, accepted and valued?? God bless her soul and God bless you, Cheri with love, peace and blessed memories? "

Deb Hazelton wrote on Feb 6, 2020:

"A lovely lady. My deepest condolences to family."

Bob and Sue Burchett wrote on Feb 6, 2020:

"Cheri, Your mother was always gracious and caring. We send our love to you and know God will comfort you. Blessings."

Bob and Robin Lynn wrote on Feb 6, 2020:

"Cheri, So Sorry to he as r of Your Mother's passing. She would be Proud of you!"

Amy Dexter wrote on Feb 6, 2020:

"I remember Mrs. Kenyon when she was the secretary for the Shenandoah Middle school, she was always kind and greeted me with a smile every morning. She was such a lovely person, may she rest in peace."

Laura Gingery Stephens wrote on Feb 6, 2020:

"I am so sorry. My condolences. I know how difficult this is. I am here if you need me. "

Stephanie Goughnour wrote on Feb 5, 2020:

"Cheri, so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I was a middle school aide in the same office with your mom, back in the early 80s. She was such an inspiration then and continues to be part of some of my favorite memories in life. May you find peace and comfort in your memories. "

Jane Foster wrote on Feb 5, 2020:

"Cheri, So very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother, Carol. She was a lovely lady and enjoyed my years that we worked at the school. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God grant you Peace and Comfort."

Jeff Hiser wrote on Feb 5, 2020:

"Cheri, I am very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I just did church service and communion for Elm Heights three weeks ago and she attended and we had a nice chat. She was a kind and caring individual and she will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you."