Eva Merl Kennedy

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Eva Merl Kennedy passed away at age 96 on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015 at Palms West Hospital, Wellington, Fla.

Eva was born in Eminence, Ind., on April 25, 1919.

She was the daughter of Sampson S. and Clara E. Staley, who preceded her in death along with her brothers and their wives, Bill and Audrey Staley, Albert "Sticks" and Imo Staley, and Ivel "Cotton" Staley. Cotton's wife Vanita Staley resides in Martinsville.

Graduating from Eminence High School in 1937, Eva then married Harold J. Kennedy of Cloverdale on Dec. 15, 1937. They purchased a beautiful farm in Cloverdale and were residents there from 1937 to the 1990s. They had two daughters, Arlene Kay and Linda Kay.

Arlene married Jerry L. Huber, and she preceded Eva in death in 1998. Arlene's three sons, Eva's grandsons and their wives, are Gregory L. and Amanda Huber of Cloverdale, Douglas W. Huber of Plainfield, and Harold E. and Amy Huber of Newport News, Va.

Linda married Donald L. Morris and he preceded Eva in death in 1979. Linda remarried in 1987 to Wendell Russell and they reside in Royal Palm Beach, Fla. Eva's only granddaughter, Donda Kay Parker, is Linda's daughter. Donda and her husband, Billy Parker, reside in Lake Worth, Fla.

Eva has eight great-grandchildren, Joshua Huber who preceded her in death in 2012, Zachary Huber, Brandon Huber, Mitchell Huber, Dustin Huber, Evan Huber, Billie Kay Huber and Madison Arlene Huber. Eva also has three great-great-grandchildren, Kaden Huber, Mollie Huber and Logan Huber.

Eva was an active member of the United Methodist Church. She also was involved in the Dine and Chat Club, Eminence Alumni, plus other organizations. Eva had several occupations, including working at Cloverdale School, the Five and Dime of Cloverdale, Ann's Dress Shop of Greencastle and The Gift Shop, Cloverdale. She also worked with her husband Harold on the farm.

Most important was her work at home and with family. She was a devoted wife and mother.

Eva's golden years were lived with her son-in-law, Wendell, and her daughter, Linda Kay Russell. They all resided together in Royal Palm Beach, Fla. Eva will be sadly missed. She was an important part of this family's lives.

Eva's funeral will be on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at Hall Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield. Visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the funeral to begin at 1 p.m. followed by a graveside service at the Cloverdale Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.bakerfuneralservice.com