Obituary of Joan Kennedy

Joan Kennedy, of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, passed away on February 3, 2017. She was born to Arthur and Ester Worley on October 22, 1935 in St. Louis, Missouri. She was 81 years of age. Joan met the love of her life, Jay, and married in 1949. She was self employed as a horse trainer and taught riding lessons to children and adults for many years in Banning, California. A young wife and mother of 5, life could be hard, but she made it work. She raised a family anyone would be proud of. Her interests included all things horse related. She was involved in planning rodeos and other local equestrian events as well as judging and competing herself. She loved music /singing and passed this passion onto her own children and grandchildren. Later she took up bowling, fishing, and riding wave runners. No matter her activity, she shared it with those around her. She was a member of the Banning Rodeo Committee, Chino Valley Riders and Calvary Baptist Church. Those that knew Joan, remember her honesty, smile, and laugh. You didn't ask her a question if you didn't want an honest answer. You didn't have to wonder if she enjoyed something; her infectious laugh would ring out. To know Joan, was to love her. She was always humming or singing and her positive attitude was contagious. She lived bravely with an illness that made each breath a labor to take but even through these battles, Joan found pleasure in spending time and dedicating her life with her large family and friends. We will all miss her. There will be silence where once there was laughter, space where once was big personality, and emptiness where once there had been singing. But mostly there will be love. She loved big and loved well…and we all loved her millions! She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Jerry Kennedy; siblings, Gene Worley, Wanda Hoelscher, and Sally Burnett. Joan is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Jay; sons, Robert, Randy, and John Kennedy; daughter, Leslie Kennedy White; fourteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; four nieces and four nephews. Donations can be made to Hospice of Havasu. Visitation will be at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home on February 10, 2017 at 10:00AM with services to follow at 11:00AM. Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be made to the Kennedy family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.