Irvaline Kennedy

Irvaline Lucille (Rogers) “Irv” Kennedy, 86, formerly of Ralston and Ponca City, Oklahoma gained her wings Wednesday afternoon, November 13, 2019 at the Fairfax Manor after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born at home on Wednesday, August 9, 1933 to the late Ira D. “Buck” and Mattie Rosema (Howrey) Rogers, delivered by Dr. Harry B. Spaulding.  She grew up in Ralston, attended Ralston Schools, and graduated with the class of 1951.

On October 21, 1951 in the Federated Church at Ralston, she married the love of her life, Clarence.  To this union was born five children:  Dennis, Roger, David, Kerri, and Douglas. The two begun their journey as husband and wife in Iowa Park, Texas where Clarence was serving in the Air Force.  He was discharged in January of 1954 and they moved to California where they lived in Arvin, Torrance, and Wilmington.  In June 1959 the family returned home to Ralston.

At the age of 42, Irvaline decided to pursue a lifelong passion in nursing.  After graduating from NOC in Tonkawa, she worked in the Ponca City Hospital for 20 plus years before retiring.  While working at the hospital, she would occasionally stop by Sye’s for a game of pool on her way home.

The couple moved to Ponca in 1985. They traveled the world together and enjoyed going on cruises.  One of her greatest joys was having all the family together on Christmas Eve, boasting that at one time there were more than sixty people in her house on Christmas Eve.  They shared over 63 years together before Clarence passed in January 2015.

Volunteering was a big part of Irv’s life while living in Ponca.  She helped with the Red Cross, addressed thousands of labels for Iraq care packages, made weekly phone calls checking on the elderly and also volunteered at “My Favorite Things.”

Irv was a fun-loving lady who loved to tell stories, loved her family and friends, was a great cook, and loved to ride motorcycles when she was younger.

She is survived by four of her children, Dennis (Marville), David and companion Karen Holmes, Roger (Nancy), and Kerri; grandchildren, David Kennedy, Jimmie Kennedy, C.J. Kennedy, Morgan Yandell, Chassidy Ashlock, Kourtney Davis, Caitlin Wood, Dejah Covick, Caleb Kennedy, Chance Yandell, Sean Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy, Gilbert Kennedy, Cyndell Kennedy, Samantha Ross, and Christa Ingersol; and the 40 lucky great grandchildren who called her “Nana” as well as one great-great grandson.  Further survived by sisters, Judy Phares, Sharon Thomason, and Kathy Shelts plus nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband; one son Doug Kennedy; one granddaughter Brooke Kennedy; and one great granddaughter.

Visitation will be held until 8 p.m. Monday, November 18, 2019 in the Hunsaker Wooten Funeral Home Chapel, Fairfax, Okla.  A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at Ralston First Baptist Church with Pastor Jay Clapp presiding.  Burial will immediately follow in the Ralston Riverside Cemetery, south of Ralston.

Pall bearers will be her grandsons.  Honorary pall bearers are Terry and Larry Dooley, James Hudson, and Mike Bartlett.

Among her last wishes she asked that you donate to St. Jude’s Hospital, 6501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105 or simply plant a tree somewhere in Irv’s name.

Remember me when flowers bloom,

early in the spring.

Remember me on sunny days,

In the fun that summer brings.

Remember me in the fall,

As you walk through leaves of gold

Remember in winter,

in the stories that are told.

Most of all, remember each day

Right from the very start,

I will be forever near,

For I live within your heart.