Ralph Kennedy

Ralph L. Kennedy, 92, of Taylorville, IL passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at Taylorville Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.

Ralph was born November 1, 1922 at home in Menard County, IL the son of Robert L. and Nellie (Smith) Kennedy. He married the love of his life, Ida Jane (Janie) Cummings in Auburn, IL on November 5, 1941 and she preceded him in death on July 5, 2008. Ralph and Janie enjoyed 67 years together.

Mr. Kennedy was also preceded in death by his parents, brother; Lee Kennedy and sister; Marie Nolting.

He is survived by two daughters; Diana Woods (companion Bryan Singley) of Bloomington, IL and Sheri Jefferies (Vance) of Taylorville, IL, four grandchildren; Brett Woods, Jeff Jefferies, Melissa Woods and Andrea Stockon, five great-grandchildren; Steven, Kristen, Zachary, Lillian and John, one great-great-grandchild; Zooey, two nephews, one niece and many extended family members and friends.

Ralph retired from Allis Chalmers after 35 years. He proudly served his country during WWII in the United States Army in the European Theater. He was able to go on the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight in 2010. He was also a life member of VFW Post #4495 in Taylorville. After retirement, Ralph worked as a crossing guard for Taylorville Schools, drank all the coffee he could hold while he told stories with his buddies at the VFW, and cared for his beloved cat, Gracie.

Visitation for Ralph will be on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 from 9-11 AM with funeral services immediately following at 11 AM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens, IL.

Rev. Ken Gennicks will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to “American Diabetes Association” or “American Heart Association.”

Burial will follow the services at Farmer’s Point Cemetery near Tallula, IL.