OBITUARY
Elaine Long Kennel
August 18, 1941 – April 1, 2021
Elaine Kennel passed away this Easter Week 2021 after a long and faith-filled life. She was born in Sheridan, Wyoming on August 18, 1941 to Harry and Opal Long (both deceased) as the middle sister between Audrey Long Anderson and Sylvia Long Scriven who live in Southern California. She grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico and attended the U. of New Mexico before marrying Air Force Lt. Robert Kennel in July 1963.
Elaine leaves a full family here in North Carolina with her husband of almost 58 years Robert (Bob) Kennel and four adult children; Phyllis Kennel of Raleigh; Susan Kennel Bull (Adam) of Asheville; Philip Kennel (Kathy) of Cary; and Robin Kennel Miller (Jeff) of Cary. They also have a foster son Jerome Hartwell (Deborah) of Denver, CO. She also has 6 adult and teenage grandchildren: Nathan Bull, Hannah Kennel, Lindsey Bull, Tate Kennel, Andrew Bull, and Rosie Kennel.
She died peacefully at home in Holly Springs, NC with infection complications interacting with 12 difficult years of Parkinson’s disease. Much appreciation is given to her long-standing Parkinson’s doctors at Duke and her home hospice care from Transitions LifeCare locally.
Elaine was a life-force positively impacting all that she met. Her Christian faith was infectious with Disciples of Christ churches in New Mexico and Southern California; Fairfax Christian in Northern Virginia; Bethany Christian in Arapahoe, NC; and Covenant Christian in Cary, NC. She has also served in almost all congregational leadership positions from Deacon to Elder to Board Chair in local churches as well as many Regional church positions and Women’s Fellowship groups.
Professionally she was a family home-maker deluxe and an early liberated woman (often saying one couldn’t pay her what she was worth). She was also a professional scrap-booker representing Creative Memories making literally hundreds of acid-free albums as well as teaching scrapbooking to others. She created historical accounts for dozens of civic, educational, and church organizations as well as a complete history of all her family. She also creatively documented a dozen family international trips plus annual festivities at beloved Kennel’s Beach, NC.
Elaine was a strong NC State supporter partnering with husband Bob Kennel’s many activities there in academic, athletic, and alumni circles. As well as adult children, she currently has three granddaughters who are recent NC State alumni. She and Bob have lifetime seating rights for baseball, basketball (men’s and women’s), and football. She was also close to the three famous Yow sisters (Kay, Debbie, and Susan). NC State hired Elaine in the late 1980’s and early 2000 to create master scrapbooks about Hall of Fame Basketball Coach Kay Yow’s two bouts with cancer.
NC State Baseball Coach Elliott Avent wrote her last week saying she has the “greatness of my grandmother, a purely kind and gentle soul”. Elaine attended every baseball and softball game for her kids growing up as well as NC State games, rain or shine, meticulously keeping score in her own private baseball scorebooks.
Covid-19 has clearly cut down on the number of personal interactions Elaine has had over the past year as well as current opportunities for people to pay their respects. Working with Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, a visitation receiving guests will be on Monday evening (4-5-2021) at 7 to 9 pm at Covenant Christian Church, 2911, SW Cary Parkway in Cary; and a Memorial Service on Tuesday at 2 pm at Covenant with limited seating and a virtual option (bit.ly/CovenantZoom). A burial service will be held at Bethany Christian Church in Arapahoe, North Carolina later.
Prayers for the family are always appreciated and any flowers, plants or donations in Elaine's name can be made to the Covenant Christian Hand Bell Fund (Covenantcc-cary.org) or Camp Caroline in Arapahoe (Campcaroline.org). Masks are required if attending.
Services
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Visitation
Monday, April 5, 2021
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Memorial Service
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Memories
Elaine Long Kennel
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYCatherine Sisson
April 7, 2021
My sincere condolences to Bob and all the Kennel family. Elaine was someone so very special. I will treasure the time I spent with her at Covenant and Creative Memories events. Never a dull moment. Her kindness to my family will never be forgotten. She will be missed by many whose lives she touched. You all are in my prayers for God to surround you with his love and comfort in the days ahead.❤
Vicky Rothrock Goudie
April 7, 2021
Dear Kennel Family...it broke my heart to know that my good friend has gone ahead of me to be with our Lord. ‘I know Dick welcomed her with open wings which gives me much happiness.’ I will treasure many memories of Elaine as long as I live and will miss her greatly. What a beautiful service and tribute to her life! She was loved by so many and will never be forgotten! Love to you all, xoxo Vicky Rothrock Goudie and Family
Karen Nippert
April 6, 2021
Bob, Robin, and Family,
I am saddened by the passing of Elaine. I enjoyed talking to her before or after church and during various church events and DWM retreats to Christmount. She had such an open and loving heart. She took such joy in making sure everyone felt welcome. She also wasn't afraid to share her vulnerabilities and uncertainties.
I know she has had a long battle with Parkinson's. She was so inspiring with how she faced it with such grace and acceptance and doing as much as she could for as long as she could.
Elaine will be very much missed, but her joy and legacy will live on through you and everyone she touched.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you journey through your grief.
Love,
Karen Nippert
Darrell Dail
April 5, 2021
Bob and Family. I am deeply saddened for your loss. It hurts to lose One, so dear! Even when we know its coming. It still hurts! But, there is a Joyful and happy feeling that can be experienced which more than offsets the sadness we feel. In her passing, Elaine, who has served her Lord so well, in so many ways, through out her physical life, continues to do so. Elaine had a "sparkle" in her eyes, which was a part of her sparkling attitude. Don't forget that. The first time I met Elaine a few years ago, being "wheeled in" by Bob, to a NCSU luncheon event, her eyes were sparkling as she greeted those she was passing by. I immediately was inspired by her (and by Bob, as well)!
Seems to me, Elaine's passing during this Easter season, is a great example of the HOPE that we have through our Lord's resurrection, in that, we will all be resurrected and reunited together with our Lord. I'm glad I knew Elaine!
Darla Baldwin
April 5, 2021
Bob, Robin, and family,
“Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.”
We are so sorry for your loss. Elaine was one of our favorite people. She had a way of making you feel like you were the only person in the world when you were with her: always more interested in what was going on with you than in telling you about herself, fully engaged with you no matter what else was going on, eyes twinkling as she smiled at you. That kind of grace is rare these days, but she made it look effortless. May her legacy - of faithfulness, generosity, kindness, and connection - live on in all of us who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
Praying peace and comfort to you all, now and in the days ahead,
Much love from Brad, Darla, Eli, and Seth Baldwin
Lou Ann Miller
April 4, 2021
Mr Bob andPhyllis, I am very sorry to hear about Mrs Elaine. She was a sweet lady. I enjoyed talking to her at KennalsBeach the last time that i saw her. It was the last time we had the Fourth of July event before the Covid. Just trust in God and he will take you though this. We know that she in the arms of Jesus now and know more pain . You all are in my prayers. Lou Ann and Tommy Miller at 183Chestnut Lane at Kennal Beach.
Malinda Stallings
April 4, 2021
My parents, Hazel and Bryce Younts, truly loved you and Elaine. They enjoyed staying in your home and holding NCSU Alumni gatherings. They enjoyed traveling with you and Elaine. But most of all - they cherished your friendship. Elaine was truly a wonderful lady. Bob - you and Elaine's children are in our prayers as you honor Elaine.
Malinda and Les Stallings
Jacob Sisson
April 4, 2021
Of all the people I know.
Elaine Kennel may have been the kindest.
I can never once remember anything resembling lack of kindness.
Perhaps a little sillyness on occassion.
I remember the slight butt feel.
It's ok.
All good.
I can't express how much the world will be lessened by you not being in it.
I know the loss and heartache your family must be going through.
I felt it immediately deep in my soul.
It's a ripping you don't want to describe but there are tears that heal that too I believe.
Of all the families I have known, there is something special about yours.
I don't know what it is. Kindness, generosity, a streak of red perhaps.
I wish I had better words, longer words, some kind of words that would define the loss that people feel when someone like you is gone.
For me you will forever be missed and remembered.
There is a place for you in my memories and heart for all my life.
You are an old red that I can never forget.
Thank you for the kindness, generosity, and love that you and your family have continuously shown me and others.
It has never gone unnoticed, even if the silence on my part has been deafening.
For that, I don't know if I could ever truly apologize.
- To my family, I am Jacob Sisson.
To my friends, I am Jake.
To you, I am forever both.
Jimmy Gibbs
April 4, 2021
What beautiful memories I have of Elaine from teaching her in in vacation bible school for several years along with Bob. She was always on time and had such inspirational things to say to us during the week. We just did not want the week to end. Her energy and love of God was felt as she shared some of her work with us as well. She will be missed. Much love to Bob and the family.
Todd and Lauren Sullivan
April 3, 2021
Our deepest prayers for the Lord’s comfort, Bob and family. Elaine was such a warm, loving mentor during our years at Fairfax Christian Church. Our memories are full of her sense of humor, laughter and those very competitive church picnic softball games in your backyard! We are feeling your loss. Heaven gained an amazing soul! All our love, Todd and Lauren Sullivan
Sherri Brown
April 3, 2021
Dearest Elaine… You have gone to be with our Lord. You came into my life when I was all of 20 years old looking for a part-time job at the church. Who would've known that you would've had such an impact on my Christian walk. You lived your life by example. You opened your heart, your arms, your home and your family to me and made me feel a part of it. Over the years we became friends, coworkers in creative memories, and sisters in Christ. I had the honor of being present at many special events in your families lives. As well as having you help coordinate my wedding to John! You will never know the true impact you had on my life. But please know that you will be so greatly missed!
To Bob and all of the family.… Please know that John and I are praying for you and are here for anything that you might need in the future. Just know that we love you with all of our hearts!
Diane Winter
April 3, 2021
Elaine was such a dear friend and we had so much fun together. While I didn’t get to see her as much after she moved to NC she has always been in my heart. She was my sister in Christ and I will truly miss her. My heart goes to her wonderful family.
Ruth Merkle
April 3, 2021
Elaine and Bob were the first people I met at Covenant Christian Church, and they were so kind and welcoming. And it was such fun attending NC State games with them! I was so impressed with Elaine keeping score at every game, too! I will miss her humor and her kind soul. She was a true Christian. Bob, my heart goes out to you as well. I know you will miss her so much.
Ruth Merkle
Becky Stiles
April 3, 2021
I was deeply saddened to learn of Elaine's passing.
She had a joy for living which was contagious. I have many fond memories of visiting with her at church. She always made me feel welcome and was always interested in hearing about my family and how I was doing. She had a way of making people feel special which was an incredible gift that she gave to others.
Sending my love to the family and praying that her beautiful memories will bring comfort and peace during this very difficult time.
Tim, Becky, Hannah, & Andrew Stiles
Betsy Mebane
April 3, 2021
How could you not love Elaine! She was always soft-spoken but powerful. She lived her love of God and her faith every day. She was kind and generous. She always made you feel so important and that she was so concerned about you. I never heard her complain later in her life when she was in a wheelchair and dependent on others for help. Maybe she realized that after all her years in service to God, church, community, and others, it was time for others to help her. I, like so many others, loved Elaine and will miss her, but are so grateful to have had her in our lives and counted her as a friend. May God bless all of her family, hold them in His love, and comfort them.
Ron Spivey
April 3, 2021
Bob:
I’m so sorry to hear this. She was a great lady, no an outstanding lady and I feel privileged to have her and you as a part of my life. The last time we all spoke by phone was so good- you’d never know the passage of time since we’d seen each other. Her personality and your personality make that possible.
We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Heaven gained another great Wolfpacker this weekend!
Ron Spivey
Winston-Salem
Dennis Howard
April 3, 2021
Bob,Im sorry to hear of Elaines passing. From her obit.,she seemed like a really neat lady. I am thinking of you during this time of your sorrow. May God bless you and be close to you.
Tommy Stephenson
April 2, 2021
Elaine was a great lady, she always was excited to see you when you come to see her. Elaine you will be missed and thank you for being my friend and the greatest sister-in-law.
Mary Jackson
April 2, 2021
I will forever miss Elaine. When I moved to NC she took me under her wing. We had so much fun going to NC State sporting events together. She had to have a Sprite and nachos or a hot dog! We had a lot of laughs together. I enjoyed spending time with this family at holidays. RIP my friend. Thanks for the memories.
Prayers for the family and may God keep his arms wrapped around you all as you face the difficult days ahead.
Larry Marks
April 2, 2021
The Wake Interfaith Disaster Team mourns the passing of Elaine Kennel.
We offer our sympathy to Bob. May the passage of time serve to ease your grief.
Larry Marks
President
Wake Interfaith Disaster Team
Melanie Penny
April 2, 2021
Mrs. Kennel was a friend to everyone. She will be missed. I loved seeing her at the ball park. I enjoyed keeping score and she helped me learn. Her kind and gentle spirit, warm smile and Christian faith made you feel just like family. She had the light of Christ and shared that light with everyone. Mr. Kennel and family, I will be praying for you now and the coming days as you reflect and remember a life well lived. May your memories bring smiles and shower you with blessings. God bless you all.
Jennie Kennel Adams
April 2, 2021
You've escaped your mortal body, Elaine. It gave out on you much before your spirit. I'll miss your greeting and smile any time I came to spend the night. There was always a towel and wash cloth folded on the bed. Our best times were cheering loudly for NC State at the many ACC tourneys we were lucky enough to attend. I'll continue to wear the red and white rally beads you gave me. I'll miss you. But it was time.
Roland and Phyllis Jones
April 2, 2021
Our best Easter prayers to this family of a wonderful Christian lady.
Robert Kennel
April 2, 2021
Love of my life with almost 58 years together. I am handling the big stuff okay.
She is at Home with her Lord.
Smaller stuff more difficult from 3 years of caregiving up close and personal and leaving me weepy.
Family doing well. Thanks to so many for love and prayers.
Bob Kennel