Kennett, Virginia

Virginia M. Kennett, 93, of New Baden, died Monday, January 5, 2015 at Clinton Manor Living Center in New Baden. She was born November 17, 1921 in Germantown, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Eversgerd) Micheel. She married Franklin J. Kennett on September 10, 1947 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Germantown and he preceded her in death on March 22, 1983. Mrs. Kennett is survived by her children, Juliana (Jack) Wier of Wildwood, MO, Bonnie (Rollie) Brave of O’Fallon, and Patrick (Marsha) Kennett of Albers; 10 grandchildren, Jack (Trina) Wier and their children, Jack Dean and Lincoln; Joe (Sherry) Wier and their children, Alex, Ashley, Amy, and Andrew; Ben Wier, Katey (Ron) Riesing and their children, Brianna and Isabella; Dominic (Amber Rutledge) Wier, Jennifer (Bobak) Rafati and their daughter, Gabriella; Alicia (Randy) Cook, Mariah Kennett, Natalie Kennett, and Sophia Kennett; a sister, Lillian (Clayton) Emery of Sunrise, FL; and a sister-in-law, Eleanora Mueller of Albers. In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by a daughter, Colette Kennett; a granddaughter, Coreen Wier; a great-granddaughter, Jessica Wier; brothers, Paul B. Micheel, Thomas Micheel, Leon Micheel and Roger Micheel; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Viola Micheel, Marie Micheel, Dorothy Micheel, Daniel & Viola Kennett, Margaret & Woodrow LaCaze, Virginia & John Logsdon, Victor Mueller, Eileen Kennett, and Charles & Adele Kennett. Virginia was the first female barber at Scott Air Force Base during World War II where she worked in Shipping and Receiving. Virginia took her barber trade to St. Louis, MO, Troy, Salem, Centralia, Carmi, Beckemeyer, Germantown, Albers, and New Baden. Virginia also was the barber for residents at Clinton Manor Living Center in New Baden and Carlyle Healthcare for many years. Virginia was a member of the Catholic Knights and Ladies of Illinois and was awarded their “Fraternalist of the Year” Award. She served as Vice-President and Historian for the New Baden American Legion Auxiliary as a 60 year member. She was active in the St. George Christian Mothers and Altar Sodality, and the Purgatorial Society. Virginia loved gardening and decorating her yard for every holiday. She even won “Yard of the Month” on one occasion. She also entered a contest to name a new subdivision in New Baden years ago, now known as “Baden Heights.” Our mother always dressed to “look her best,” wearing colorful jewelry and brightly-colored clothes, whether going out to Sunday Mass or just to breakfast down the hall at Clinton Manor, her last residence. Mother, you will be dearly missed by your children and extended family! We wish you peace as you continue your journey into the waiting arms of our Heavenly Father. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2014 at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden with Rev. Gene Neff officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2014 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2014 at Hempen-Nordike Funeral Home in New Baden. Memorials may be made to Clinton Manor Activity Fund and will be received at the funeral home.