Our beloved LaVerna Elsie Kennel entered the eternal peace of heaven on December 5, 2025. She passed away at the NKC Northcare Hospice at the age of 87 years.
LaVerna was born to Ervin H. Kennel and Lucy Cain Kennel on October 16, 1938, in Beaver Crossing, Nebraska. She was the fourth of seven children born to this union. After the family moved to Fairfax, Missouri, LaVerna graduated from Rockport High School in 1956.
A true artist at heart, LaVerna channeled her gifts through beautiful paintings, needlepoint, sewing and baking. She spent almost 30 years (Pleasant View Nursing Home, Rock Port, Missouri), retiring after lovingly preparing meals and creating new recipes for residents. Her break times were spent crocheting seasonal gifts for the Pleasant View residents and her family. In 2013, the Missouri Health Care Associate named her Employee of the Year (2013). She proudly donned her cherished Huskers and Chiefs apparel on game days. And her home was always open to visitors, filled with seasonal decorations in every room.
LaVerna now joins her parents, and four brothers, and two sisters in heaven: Alred E. Kennel, Clifton L. Kennel, Marlene Kennel Kaeding, Wesley D. Kennel, Wilma Kennel Fisher, and Loyal E. Kennel. She is also reunited with her niece Jeannette Kennel Yates and nephew Loyal “Turk” Kennel.
She is survived by six nieces and seven nephews: Eileen, Keith, Robert, Patricia, Christy; Marilyn, David, Dennis; Jay; Laurie, Theresa; Jessica, Chester. Along with a host of special friends and neighbors, many adored this tiny lady who stood far bigger in life than her four-foot, ten-inches suggested. Her profound love leaves a void only to be filled by the beautiful memories she gave to everyone she met.
Funeral services will be held at 1 PM, Thursday, December 11, 2025 at the 1st Lutheran Church in Rock Port, Missouri. Visitation will be from 12-1 PM prior to the services. Burial will be in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Fairfax, Missouri.
Memorials may be directed to Kansas City Hospice Palliative Care, 9001 State Line Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64114.
Arrangements are under the direction of Schooler Funeral Home, Fairfax/Craig.
