Alta Kennard

Alta Kennard, age 99, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2009, at Anderson County Long Term Care Facility, Garnett, KS. She was born on October 17, 1909, in Sutton Valley, rural Anderson County, the daughter of Richard Robinson and Della Mae (Hobert) Sutton. She grew up in the area, attending country school. Alta started working in the poultry house at Garnett following school to help her family. She worked at the bakery, later working as a cook at Manner's Inn and City Caf. Alta was united in marriage to Elmer William Kennard on December 23, 1933, at Garnett, Kansas. This union was blessed with four children. In Alta's younger years she attended the Gospel Hall and later joined the First Baptist Church, in Garnett. She was a member of the Friendly Circle Club, and the Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed quilting, and babysitting her grandchildren. Music was one of her greatest loves and she continued to play the piano or organ at local nursing homes well into her 90's. Alta was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Elmer Kennard on March 24, 1986; her son, Norman Kennard; daughter-in-law Jean Kennard; sister Alma Woolard; and brother Raymond Sutton. She is survived by two sons, Melvin Kennard and wife Doris of Garnett, Kansas; Lewis Kennard and wife Rolena of Garnett, Kansas; one daughter, Zella Teter and husband LeRoy of Garnett, Kansas; daughter-in-law Irene Kennard of Burlington, Kansas; sister-in-law Ethel Kennard of Wenatchee, Washington; Nine Grandchildren; Seventeen Great Grandchildren; Six Great Great Grandchildren; Thirteen Step Grandchildren; numerous Step Great Grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2009, at the First Baptist Church in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will be in the Garnett Cemetery. The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2009, at the funeral home in Garnett. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church or to the Alta Kennard Memorial Fund and left in care of the funeral home.