IDA KENNEDY

DEXTER -- Ida Boone Kennedy, 96, of Dexter died Thursday, July 17, 1997, at Mark Twain Caring Center in Poplar Bluff.

She was born April 18, 1901, in Essex, daughter of Emery and Julia Ann Trotter West. She and Albert Boone were married May 7, 1916. He died March 21, 1958. She later married E.F. Kennedy Jan. 8, 1960. He died Feb. 17, 1976.

Kennedy formerly lived in Essex and Broseley, and had lived in Dexter since 1965. As a young woman she served as a mid-wife. She was a member of Elk General Baptist Church near Broseley.

Survivors include six daughters, Ellen McCurter of St. Peters, Pansy Reynolds of Wappapello, Wilma Jennings of Dexter, Ruth Young of Doniphan, Christine Harmon and Emma Dabbs of Poplar Bluff.

Also surviving are three stepsons, Grady Kennedy of LaBelle, Fla., Arlie and Orba Kennedy of Nashville, Ill.; two stepdaughters, Irene Champion and Sue Champion of Mobile, Ala.; a brother, Wayne West of Phoenix, Ariz.; 30 grandchildren; 77 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and numerous stepgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two sons, two daughters, and a stepson.

Friends may call at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Gene Langhofer officiating. Burial will be in Bernie Cemetery at Bernie.