Helen Kennedy

Mrs. Helen Kennedy passed away peacefully at 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2009 at her residence surrounded by her children and grandchildren.


She was born December 27, 1911 in Union County, Indiana to Albert and Effie (Gardner) Dunlap. She graduated from Short High School in 1929. She was united in marriage to Marion "Curly" Kennedy on December 16, 1930. They raised 3 children and shared 72 years together until his death on January 19, 2003.


A Fountain City resident since 1937, Mrs. Kennedy began a career in public service with the Wayne County Clerk's office before moving to the County Assessor's office, where she served as Chief Deputy. She later served 17 years in the office of the Northeastern Schools superintendent before returning to the Township Assessor's office.


Mrs. Kennedy was a faithful member of the Fountain City Church of Christ, having served as a trustee and board member. She was a member of the Fountain City Town Board during the time when water was piped to every home in town. She was a former Vice President of the Levi Coffin House Association board and was awarded the status of Honorary Lifetime Board Member in recognition of over 1,000 hours that she volunteered. She was appointed to the Wayne County Council on Aging and was instrumental in establishing the meal site in Fountain City.


Mrs. Kennedy will be missed by her daughters, Norma Jean Johnson and Carol Judy, both of Fountain City; 3 grandchildren, Mark Johnson, of Richmond; Valerie Ray and her husband, Jeff, of Centerville; and April Fehlinger and her husband, Jeff, of Newburgh; 5 great-grandchildren, Heather Johnson, Jordan Ray, Kyleigh Carpenter, Colt Carpenter, Hannah Fehlinger and several nieces and nephews.


In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Kennedy was preceded in death by her daughter, Marilyn L. Kennedy; her son-in-law, Robert Johnson; 2 sisters, Elma Eales and Neva Jean Conkle; and 3 brothers, Paul Dunlap, Ralph Dunlap and Herbert Dunlap.


A funeral ceremony will be conducted by Rev. Max Knight at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14 at the Smith & McQuiston Funeral Home, 321 US 27 South, Fountain City. Interment will follow in Willow Grove Cemetery.


Family and friends may gather for visitation from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, April 13, at the funeral home.


Memorial contributions may be sent to the Fountain City Church of Christ, PO Box 316, Fountain City, IN 47341, or the Levi Coffin House Association, PO Box 77, Fountain City, Indiana 47341.