Gertrude Kennerly

Gertrude E. Kennerly

TAYLORVILLE - Gertrude Evelyn Kennerly died peacefully in the care of Hospice at her home in Taylorville on Tuesday, September 14. She was born January 14, 1916 in Palmer IL, and was graduated from Taylorville High School.

She grew up attending the Advent Christian Church in Palmer, and became a member of First Presbyterian Church of Taylorville. Each morning would find her sitting with a cup of coffee, reading a daily devotional and praying for the many people on her prayer list.

She was Manager of Taylorville Community Credit Union from its inception until the mid-1970s.

She loved singing and music, especially Dixieland bands, and encouraged her children to get involved in music.

At age of 12 she learned to play bridge, drive a car and sneak a puff of a clandestine cigarette when her parents and older siblings were not around. She enjoyed teaching others to play bridge, and was able to continue participating in a bridge club until only a few months before her death. Six weeks prior to her death she was still exercising in her backyard swimming pool.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Huvil; her parents, Jay and Bettie Mason Priest Blanchard; brothers, Lowell and Jerry Blanchard, and sister, Esther Ferguson.

She is survived by sons, Ronald Kennerly of Springfield, Jay (Carole) Kennerly of Springfield, daughter, Reverend Karen Kennerly, of Woodbury MN, four grandchildren: Robert Boston of Pocatello ID, Krista Boston of Woodbury MN, Pamela Kennerly Ignatius of Rock Island IL, Captain Christian Kennerly of Fort Drum NY and 5 great grandchildren.

Shafer Perfetti Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family is planning a memorial service to be announced shortly.

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