Laura Kennedy

Funeral services for Laura Marie Kennedy, 99, Lawrence will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Clinton Presbyterian Church.  Burial will follow at Clinton Cemetery.   She went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 15, 2012 at Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community in Lawrence.

She was born near Stull, Kansas on October 20, 1912 to Michael and Louisa Elaina (Schafer) Kropf and lived her entire life in the Stull and Clinton communities. Laura loved her childhood on the farm and spent a lot time with her Collie dog and with her trusty Quarter horse Queen.  She became known to some in the area as the “The Queen of the Hills” as she was often seen regally riding that great horse.  In 1941 she became the loving wife of Harry G. Kennedy fully enjoying life, farming and working together side by side until his untimely death in 1980.  She deeply loved her family and her Faith was of utmost importance to her, making every effort to live that Faith and impart it to her family.  Laura was a member of Stull United Methodist Church as well as the Clinton United Presbyterian Church and taught Sunday School as well as taking an active role Church Christmas functions at both.  She was personally committed to and very aggressively supported the needy as well as several Christian and under privileged causes.

Laura had a very positive attitude and encouraged her children to excel and she assisted in every way she could.  Laura enjoyed playing checkers, and had a passion for poetry.  She was also known for her awesome Lemon Meringue Pie.

Laura is survived by her daughters Gloria (Ralph) Leonhard, Dr. Elaine Kennedy (Mark Bernstein) all of Lawrence, KS as well her son Dan (Carol) of St. Marys, KS.  She was preceded in death by grandson, Eric Stobaugh in 2006 and is survived by five grandchildren, Gina(Bryce) Schumann, Lawrence, KS; Michelle (Russ) Paluch, Tracie Suter, Chicago, IL;  Jordan (Megan) Stobaugh of Raleigh, NC and Amy (Jace) Johnson of Dwight, KS; as well as twelve great-grandchildren:  Wyatt Schumann, Dylan Schumann, Jessye Schumann, Kassidy Schumann, Ben Paluch, Margo Paluch, Chloe Suter, Brett Suter, Brice Suter, Jhet Johnson, Atley Johnson and baby Stobaugh.

The family will greet friends from 4:30 -7:00 p.m. Friday, February 17, 2012 at the Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

The family suggests memorials to Clinton United Presbyterian Church or to Stull United Methodist Church.
 

17 Condolences

  1. Christina Morey on February 16, 2012 at 10:38 am

    Elaine and family – My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Your mom is happy on her farm in the sky…. Love you, Christina, Adam, Alli and Dalton



  2. Lida Osbern on February 16, 2012 at 11:06 am

    We are so sorry for your sadness. It is so hard to lose a mom. She was an amazing lady. Love, Lida, Mike, Jeremy, and Misti Osbern



  3. Amy (Wempe) Douglass on February 16, 2012 at 5:46 pm

    Dr. Kennedy and family-
    All of the Kennedy family are my thoughts and prayers as you embark on this difficult journey.

    The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
    Psalm 34:18

    Love and comfort to you all-
    Amy



  4. Vickie Harding on February 16, 2012 at 8:04 pm

    Dr. K – it’s fun to hear your stories of your mom, she was quite a lady! I hope you find peace and comfort in all the memories you’ve shared together. Love and hugs, Vickie H



  5. Karen Cartwright on February 16, 2012 at 8:08 pm

    Elaine and family – You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Your mother had a great and long life with her family by her side.
    Karen, Steve and Brent



  6. Alia Ahmed on February 16, 2012 at 10:08 pm

    I’m sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful woman who raised a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend.

    Alia



  7. Marty Hoover on February 17, 2012 at 8:37 am

    Dan, I am really sorry for the loss of your mother. I know how much you cared for her. Knowing she is going to a better place should give you some comfort.



  8. Valerie Foos on February 17, 2012 at 9:30 am

    Dr. K.,
    I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Today I realized she was born the same year as my mother. They sound a lot alike–strong-willed, independent, hard-working, bright. From talking to you, I know you did so much to help your mother, particularly in her later years. In honor of their memory, you and I will try always to carry on their best traits. Love, Valerie



  9. Pam Mayfield on February 17, 2012 at 9:57 am

    Elaine,
    What a wonderful life your mom must have had. I am so glad you shared a little of her with me when we spoke on 2/14. You always had a twinkle in your eyes when you spoke of her. Big hug, Pam



  10. Tim Miller on February 17, 2012 at 11:36 am

    Dear Kennedys,
    I’m very, very sorry to hear of Laura’s death. During my time at Clinton Church I appreciated the friendship and support of the Kennedy family, and Laura was always especially dear and welcoming through good times and bad. I still remember her quiet strength at Harry’s passing, 32 years ago. My best wishes to all of you in these hard times.



  11. Steve and Becky Karnes on February 17, 2012 at 3:08 pm

    Dear friends, an amazing women has gone on to be with the Lord. I have many fond memories of her over the years and our sympathy goes out to you. Do to a previous commitment we will be unable to be with you and are so sorry for this as we know how much it meant to us for Dan to come to John’s service. May God Bless you and your families and be with you as you mourn. Love, Steve and Becky (Steele) Karnes



  12. Phyllis Terry on February 17, 2012 at 10:47 pm

    What a wonderful testimonial of Mrs Kennedy life well lived for her family and her God.



  13. Retha (Figgins) Nightingale on February 18, 2012 at 10:16 am

    Dear Elaine and Kennedy family, We are so sorry for your sadness. Elaine, you were so devoted to your mom. You know she is looking upon you full of joy with her Savior and proud of you, my dear friend. Nancy Zimmerman will be attending the service today. Am keeping you and your family in my prayers during this time of deep grief. With love, Retha



  14. Carla Westheffer on February 18, 2012 at 6:41 pm

    Dear Elaine,
    My sincerest condolences on the passing of your mother. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Best regards,
    Carla Westheffer



  15. Patti Benson on February 19, 2012 at 10:51 am

    Dr. Kennedy,
    I am so sorry for your loss, I am praying for you and your family.
    Patti



  16. I on February 20, 2012 at 8:45 am

    “the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.” (John 5:28, 29)



  17. Rodger and Sheryl Henry on February 21, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    Elaine,we are so sorry for your loss. She was such a special woman and is such an example to all of us on how to age well. I know you will miss her so much! She is up in heaven writing some new poetry for when you see her next. We are thinking of you.



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