Obituary of Glenda Carol Kennon
She was one of a kind; an original. Born to Faye and Bonnie Lamb of Carleton, Glenda Carol Lamb (April 28, 1937 – September 2, 2022) was the sixth of their seven children (siblings Rod Lamb, Ava Norman, Roger Lamb, Vera Miller, Pat Sype, Sandra Kahn). As a teenager, she suffered a debilitating illness and the tragic loss of her father, yet still graduated a year early from Airport High School at the top of her class. A tenacious lifetime learner, she began her college studies at the University of Toledo before marrying Dennis Richardville, with whom she bore four sons, Joseph, Randall, Craig, and Curt.
While raising four boys, she continued pursuing her life-long dream of becoming a registered nurse. Working days and studying nights, she became an RN and subsequently completed her bachelor’s degree and became an ICU nurse at Mercy-Memorial Hospital in Monroe. She endured suffering the loss of her oldest son, “Joe”, in 1987 (the tragic victim of a drunk driver) and shortly thereafter moved to administrative positions at the hospital, expanding her dedication to service from direct care to leadership, affecting the lives and service of fellow nurses, doctors, patients, and their families. She was unparalleled in both her work ethic and depth of care and concern for others.
She met the love of her life, Chuck Kennon, while working at the hospital and they began an adventure of shared family and love like few others. Together, Chuck and his “earthly angel” shared 4 sons, 3 daughters, and 23 grandchildren and great grandchildren. The joy of Chuck and Glenda’s 32 years was traveling, visiting, golfing, playing tennis, and generally sharing in the lives of their extended family. She had a genuine pride about her family and her life literally revolved around them. Many are grateful for the influence and love she imparted to us all and beyond.
Glenda developed her foundational conservative values and Christian beliefs from her father, a union steward at Ford Motor Company, and her mother, a staunch, loving member of the Primitive Baptist Church. She lived a life defined by those values and beliefs, working tirelessly until finally retiring last year at the age of 84. She was previously honored by the Monroe County Republican Party with a lifetime achievement award in 2020, culminating 30 years of volunteer work. Unwavering in her personal convictions, Glenda respected and cared about those who saw the world differently, gaining the respect and love of many from various political or spiritual viewpoints; this is part of her legacy.
Glenda Kennon was a friend and mentor to many and helped redefine the word “family”. Her love and kindness had a persistence that never let go. She cared in ways that most people only read about, and the world is a better place because of the ripples that she made in the lives of those closest to her. May she rest in joyful peace with our Savior and those who left before her. She will be sadly missed by her 3 surviving sons, Randy (Melissa), Craig (Danielle), Curt (Tonya), daughter-in-law Veronica Wilkins (Wayne), step-daughters Jan Knezevich (Mark), Jennifer Weckstein (Aaron), Sheri Kennon, grandchildren Eric, Emily (Eldad), Mandy (Daniel), Adam, Blake, Kyle, Grant (Carli), Taylor, Eric (Savannah), Brandon (Angela), Jordyn, Emma, and Maya, and great-grandchildren James, Sophia, Zane, Sawyer, Silas, Walker, Madalyn, and Axel.
Glenda cherished the many visits, phone calls, letters, messages, thoughts, and prayers she received from family and close friends, especially in her last year. It was among her final wishes that a small, private, familial ceremony be held at her final resting place, St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Monroe. Rather than a formal ceremony, she preferred people remember her as she was during her living years. In lieu of flowers or as a memorial, donations may be made to Oaks of Righteousness Christian Ministries (Oaks Village free health clinic) or ProMedica Hospice. Glenda never asked for, nor does the family expect anything from anyone. However, because some people have requested, any donations would serve as a quiet memorial to Glenda and her life’s work in healthcare, especially for those less fortunate. May all you who were touched in any way by her life be continuously blessed in this world and beyond.
Gratefully submitted, Glenda’s family
Her care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.