Bonnie Louise Kennedy, 75, of Rushsylvania, OH, passed from this life to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at home, on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 6:20 a.m., surrounded by her loving family, after bravely fighting a battle with dementia for several years.
She was born in Kenton, Ohio, on October 15, 1949, to Clarence and Ruth (Stalder) Penhorwood, and grew up in the West Mansfield and Rushsylvania communities. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by granddaughter Ketzy Jo Lee Van Buskirk and a brother Samuel Dean Penhorwood.
Bonnie was united in marriage to John Richard (Rick) Kennedy on September 14, 1969, at Bethel United Methodist Church, near West Mansfield, Ohio, by Reverend Harold Kochersperger. Bonnie and Rick had celebrated 55 years of marriage recently and had a passion for caring for and raising children. They became foster parents in 1972, with Logan County Children Services, and together made a home for over 45 foster children during their marriage.
Besides husband, Rick, Bonnie is survived by eight children: three sons, Samuel R (Julie) Kennedy of Carmel, Indiana, Daniel R (Kris) Kennedy of Purcellville, Virginia, and David L (Tammy) Kennedy of Mitchell, Indiana; five daughters, Theresa L (Mike) Miller of Belle center, Ohio, Gina M. Kennedy of Bellefontaine, Ohio, Amber L (Brent) Joseph of Belle center, Mary N (Holland) Elliott of Belle Center, and Rebecca J. (Kyle Van Buskirk) Kennedy of Rushsylvania, Ohio. 21 Grandchildren: Kollin Sotolongo, Kourtney Beumel, Wesley (Melissa) Kennedy, Thea Kennedy, Cole Kennedy, Tomas Kennedy, Josiah (Tara) Kennedy, Misty Lowe, Ryan Lowe, Derik (Rachel) Kennedy, Drake Kennedy, Codie (DeShawna) Pope, Mikayla Miller, Shae Helton, Cody (Angela) Winegardner, Brody Joseph, Sawyer Elliott, Finlee Elliott, Nira Elliott, Kaleb Van Buskirk, and Kai Van Buskirk. 14 great-grandchildren: Michael, Gabriel, Kora, Baylee, Charlie, John, Julia, Dakota, Dawson, Daeson, Koa, Torvi, Wynter, and Walker.
Others surviving Bonnie include siblings, Jane Kavanagh, Susan (Neil) Jarvis, Randy (Donna) Penhorwood and Mark (Terri) Penhorwood; Sister-in-law Sandy Penhorwood and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Special friends and other “adopted” relatives include Karla Yoder, Pearl Tanner, Jacealynn Preston, Kailynn Rotroff, Deb Robb, Brian Rollins, Rhett and Vicki Martin and children Lilly, Alexander, Rashya and Tilly. Zapher and Genelyn Uzunoglu and children: Asli and Lale and Kenzleigh Easter.
Bonnie was a devoted Christian wife and mother. Being a member of the Rushsylvania Church of Christ and the South Oak Baptist Church in Lake Placid, Florida, she served many years on the worship team and in the nursery department as well as in many other programs. The Lord blessed Bonnie with a beautiful singing voice that she shared with others for most of her life. She sang solos, and in duets, in trios and choirs and contributed to dozens of weddings, funerals, and programs in addition to church activities. Primarily a soprano, she could harmonize naturally and blend in any singing format.
Bonnie and Rick were original members and organizers of the gospel singing group; The King’s Harvest Singers, where she participated for 13 years and made two recordings at the Bill Gaither studio in addition to several other recordings. The King’s Harvest Singers group sang in many venues including schools, churches, fairs festivals, on tv, on the steps of the US capitol, and in many states and continued praising God in song for 33 years.
Bonnie was a graduate of the Columbus School of Practical Nursing, where she graduated in 1971. She served as a nurse and medical transcriptionist for many years in addition to helping on the home farm. She was a nurse for many years and was last employed by Loganview Pediatrics where her nursing and transcription skills always kept her in demand in Logan and Hardin County. She also attended the Venard Bible College and The Ohio State University where she had earlier served as a secretary in the Animal Science and Geology departments. Bonnie was a precinct election director for Rushcreek Township for a number of years.
Known for her smile, laugh, and kindness, she had many friends in both Florida and Ohio that will miss her greatly! Above all, Bonnie was admired as a good friend and lover of Jesus Christ and she shared Him generously in song and service in her family, church, and community, all her life!
A visitation is planned for Saturday, January 25, from 9 a.m. till noon, at the Rushsylvania Church of Christ, 170 Mill Street E., Rushsylvania, OH 43347 where a concert/service will honor Bonnie and Jesus Christ starting at 12.
Memorials and donations may be made to the Rushsylvania Church of Christ, or to Camp Union, where Bonnie was involved for most of her life.
Online Condolences may be expressed at www.jenningsfarley.com.