Norma Bernice Kennedy

A beautiful soul flew to heaven on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014, when Norma (Reida) Kennedy passed away at the Golden Living Center, Anderson, Mo., concluding her 100 years of life. Norma, affectionately known as "Nanny," "Granny Nanny" and "Grandma," began her life in South Central Kansas, and lived in several Kansas towns, including Kansas City, before retiring to Bentonville, Ark., in the early 1970s. She moved to Powell, Mo., in 2007, where she lived the rest of her life except for the last few months spent in the Golden Living Center in Anderson. She was born Aug. 17, 1914, to Rudolph and Myrtle Ruth (Hundley) Reida in Kingman County, Kan. She had three children with her first husband, Martin Dickinson, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her second husband, Donald R. Kennedy; her brothers, Perry, Cletus, Wayne and Arlo; an infant sibling; her grandson, Doug Dickinson; and a great-nephew, Willsun Mock. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Kyle of Kingman County, Kan.; her three adult children, daughter, Mitzie R. Neal and husband, Richard, of Williamsburg, Kan.; son, Duane Dickinson and wife, Delores, of Overbrook, Kan.; daughter, Anita Kennedy of Powell, Mo.; and a host of dearly-loved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. Norma was a Worthy Grand Matron of the Sadana Chapter 194 Order of the Eastern Star of Kansas. She and her husband, Don, enjoyed traveling in the United States and Germany while he served in the U.S. Army. They were active in the First Christian Church of Bentonville for many years. Norma loved flowers and was exceptionally talented at growing African violets. She maintained her own yard into her later years. She hand-stitched queen-sized quilts for each of her grown children and then crocheted afghans for each grandchild (in whatever colors were requested). Each great-grandchild received a hand-stitched teddy bear quilt. Norma embraced the move from Bentonville to rural Powell, where she lived with her daughter, Anita. She never lost her love of the great outdoors, the wildlife and birds. Her spunky, strong will and her faith in God carried her through 100 years of life. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014, at Callison-Lough Funeral Home in Bentonville. Burial will follow in Bentonville Cemetery. Memorial tributes, in lieu of flowers, may be made to a preferred charity. Arrangements are by Callison-Lough Funeral Home, Bentonville, Ark. www.callisonlough.com