Lorene M. Kendall, age 95 of Keats, passed away Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Via Christi Village in Manhattan.
She was born on March 31, 1928, on the family farm outside of Keats, the daughter of Oliver and Bertha (Weller) Nelson. She graduated from Leonardville High School in 1946.
On May 4, 1951, in Riley, she married Ronald Kendall. He preceded her in death in 2005.
Lorene worked at the Sikes Store in Leonardville following high school and then became a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell in Manhattan. After the birth of their son, she stayed home for several years to be a mother. She went back to work for U.S.D. 383 in the food department and worked at Eugene Field, Amanda Arnold, and finally at the central location on Hayes Drive. She retired in June of 1999.
She was a member of the Keats Lydia Chapel, where she played the piano for many years, Keats UMW, and the Silver Creek Beneficiary Club. She enjoyed going to car shows, auctions, and taking bus tours around the United States and even into Canada. She loved to sew and was a wonderful seamstress.
She is survived by her son, Wayne Kendall of Keats and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Dail Nelson and Wendall Nelson.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 28, 2024, in the Riley Cemetery with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Keats Lydia Chapel. Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.