Doris Ann Kennedy

Doris Ann (Thronson) Kennedy, was born to Clarence and Anna Thronson on May 9, 1929, at home in southern Jewell County, Kansas. She attended country school and graduated from Mankato High School in 1947.

After graduation she worked at the courthouse for the county superintendent until her marriage to Rex Kennedy, January 2, 1955. Soon after, she became a mom to Danny, Dennis, Cheri and Jeri and worked on the day to day operations of a farm. During those years, she often substituted as a cook at the school in town. She later was employed with the Buffalo Roam until her retirement.

Doris was a life-long member of the Mankato Evangelical Lutheran Church. She enjoyed reading, gardening, flowers, and was always crocheting or embroidering on something. Her passion was cooking, usually with no recipe, she just used what was available. Her cinnamon rolls and potato salad and chocolate chip cookies are greatly missed.

Her other passion was her family. She loved it when the grandkids were, there and you can be sure they all have many fond memories of making pancakes on Saturday nights!

Although Doris loved the farm life, in 2013 she made the choice to live at the LTC at the Jewell County Hospital. She enjoyed the care, the activities, and the frequent visits from family and friends.
Doris departed this earthly life at the age of 87 years on December 19, 2016, at the Jewell County Hospital. She was preceded in death by her parents, a baby brother, her husband, Rex, a grandson, Darrell Renner, Jr., and a great-granddaughter, Shelbie Schreiner.

Doris is survived by Danny (Donna), of Cawker City, Kansas, Dennis (Julie), of Mankato, Cheri (Darrell) Renner, Shell Knob, Missouri, and Jeri (Tim) Beale of Clay Center, Nebraska; grandchildren, Michelle (Steve) Fox, San Pedro, California, Jim Kennedy, Downs, Peggy Beale, Clay Center, Nebraska, Samuel Beale and fiance Samantha, Clay Center, Anthony Kennedy, Mankato, Austin Kennedy, Mankato, Codi and Dustin, Colorado, John, Jesse and Laura Schreiner; great-grandchildren Khyla, Calliope, Addison, Baily, Aubrey, Lilly, Olivia, Jonah, and Liam; sisters-in-law Beth (Al) Koch, Salina, Kansas, and Reta Williams, Tacoma, Washington; many nieces and nephews; and her devoted cousins, Brenda, Jeanie, Verla, Karen, Frances, Garry, and Raymond.

Funeral services for Doris Ann (Thronson) Kennedy will be/were Monday, January 9th, 1917, at 11:00 a.m., at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Dennis Beckmann officiating. Inurnment will be in the Mankato East Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be Saturday, January 7th, from 9 am to 8 pm, and Sunday, January 8th, 1 pm to 8 pm. Memorials may be made to the Jewell County Hospital or the Mankato Evangelical Lutheran Church. Melby Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.