Obituary of Virgie Lee Kennon

Virgie Lee Kennon (89) resident of St. Maries, ID died August 25, 2015 at Hospice House of North Idaho in Coeur d’ Alene. She was born October 1, 1925 to Virgil and Bertha (Myrick) Thompson at Grandin, MO. Virgie grew up in Grandin and graduated from Grandin High School with the Class of 1943. She married Harry Kennon on July 19, 1942 at Grandin. Harry was going overseas for the War and they wanted to marry before he left. Following graduation, she worked and studied at a hospital in St. Louis. Virgie later worked as an accountant and bookkeeper for Smock Trucking. In 1952, she moved to Emida, ID where she worked as a substitute school teacher as well as substitute Postmistress. Virgie moved into St. Maries in 1962. She went to work for First Security Bank as a teller. In the early 1970’s, Virgie moved to Fernwood, ID. She and Harry returned to St. Maries in 1978 and she worked as a bookkeeper and receptionist for Dr. Larry Schrader. Virgie retired in 1989. Virgie and Harry enjoyed their retirement. They went prospecting, metal detecting, and fishing. They traveled the Al-Can Highway to Nome, Alaska as well as taking a 14 day excursion through the Inland Passage to visit British Columbia. They enjoyed traveling to the Southeastern part of the United States to visit family and see the Great Smokey Mountains. Virgie was an avid card player enjoyed bowling, and was a member of the St. Maries Women’s Bowling Assn. She loved to read and was known for her baking skills and cooking for others. She was proud of the amount and variety of fruits and vegetables she canned each year. She made many tasty jams and jellies each season. Virgie was a member of the Community Presbyterian Church and the Benewah Co. Sr. Citizens. Her husband Harry died on August 23, 2013. Virgie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Jeanne and John Swendener of Coeur d’ Alene, ID, grandchildren Julie Creed of Rancho Saint Marquerita, CA, Susie Lechot of Coeur d' Alene, ID and Tom (Natalie) Swendener of Beaverton, OR. And great grandchildren Jeremy and Kyle Creed and Logan and Lexie Lechot. Also surviving are her brother-in-law Acel Price of Donithan, MO and sister-in-law Maryann Kennon of Fernwood, ID and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Thomas Kennon, sister Rosemary Thompson, and two grandchildren. A celebration of her life will be Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Hodge Funeral Home with Rev. Dan Swan officiating. A gathering of family and friends will follow at the Comm. Presbyterian Church. The family suggests memorials to either Hope’s Haven (Benewah Co Humane Society) 53 Robinson Lane, or the Benewah Co. Sr. Citizens 605 Main Street both St. Maries, ID 83861