June Holliday Kendall's Obituary
June Holliday Kendall, formerly of West Union, OH, died Monday, June 8, 2020, at Woodlands Retirement Center in Huntington, WV. She was born an only child on February 11, 1923 in West Union. She was preceded in death by her father C Ray Holliday in 1965, her mother Clara Belle Richmond Holliday in 1990, and her husband R Chester Kendall in 2015. Following graduation from West Union High School in 1941, she was employed at Allis-Chalmers in Cincinnati where she proudly worked as a Rosie Riveter. June and Chet married while he was on a 3 day pass on Christmas Day 1943 in the West Union Presbyterian Church. Three children were born to June and Chet. Richard Chester Kendall, Jr. (Linda), Kathryn June Combs (Dan), M Kim Staggs (Javie). They were also blessed with 10 grandchildren who lovingly called her Nanny: Eric Kendall Combs, Richard Chester Kendall lll, Mindy Basford, Kurt Kendall, Lindsay Cepeda, Kyle Kendall, JW Staggs, Maggie Gue, Kendall Staggs, Rich Staggs and 19 great grandchildren. After Chet’s military service, they returned to West Union where they owned and operated K&H Hardware, later known as C Kendall Hardware, and Richard’s Monument Company on Cross Street. In the 50’s, she worked in the Adams County Selective Service Office. June was actively involved in many organizations, First Presbyterian Church Elder, West Union Women’s Club President, American Legion Auxiliary, and the American Heart Association to name a few. June’s biggest joys were her church and her family. She served her churches in Ohio and Florida. She was a choir member, a Sunday School teacher, a Bible School teacher, a Deacon, an Elder, and a Bible Study Leader as long as her health permitted. Her faith was beyond measure. June and Chet became homeowners in Sun City Center Florida in 1978. They spent their winters there and returned to West Union or Proctorville for the summers. They both loved golf and spent many hours golfing in both Florida and Ohio. Later in life they moved to Woodlands Retirement Community where they formed many new friendships and were very well cared for by a capable and caring staff. They were involved and valued members of the Woodlands family. Chet served on the National governing boards of the National Retail Hardware Association and the Ohio Monument Builders. June served as a constant companion and support during all his responsibilities. June and Chet savored traveling the world. They literally covered the globe. One of the family’s favorite photos from their trips is the two of them sitting atop camels. Of course, their favorite journey each year took them to Augusta Georgia in April for the Masters Golf Tournament. June was a tiny woman with an enormous spirit and a marvelous sense of humor. Her wisdom was profound and simple. She made all her family better without demanding it. She leaves an amazing legacy. She leaves a void that cannot be filled. We cannot say Nanny without smiling. It is equally difficult to say Nanny without Poppy. Her amazing mind was always in motion. She said the Reds relief pitchers were awful, and she was right. She knew her sports! Our world is diminished with her passing, but her legacy will endure. She and Poppy danced like they were on roller skates. They were our model! We cannot count the life lessons Nanny taught us. We can only savor the immortality of them. It is interesting that we all said Nanny and Poppy, with Nanny always first. Their generation was grounded in so many basic truths. Nanny quietly considered the facts. If they did not coincide with her faith and understanding of right and wrong, she simply said “I don’t’ think so”. Nanny’s smile was infectious. She was loved by many, and she touched each of our lives in countless ways. She will be missed. She was the one and only “Nanny”. A graveside service will be held in West Union Cemetery, West Union, Ohio on Friday, June 12, 2020. Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville, Ohio is assisting the family with local arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ehallfuneralhome.com.
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