MABEL LOUISE KENNEY, 83, a resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away on Sunday July 24, 2005 at United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley.
She was born on November 11, 1921 in Creston, North Carolina, one of eight children of James F. & Hilie M. Latham Roark.
In 1923 the family moved to Sedro-Woolley where Mabel was raised and attended school.
Mabel worked as a Nurses Aid at Northern State Hospital for several years and there she met her husband, Gail Kenney. They were united in marriage on May 2, 1943.
During WW II Mabel worked at the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station in Keyport, WA where she was known as ‘Mabel the Machinist.’
After the war Mabel & Gail made their home in several locations over the years, including Sedro-Woolley for a while, until settling in Marysville in 1956. While in Marysville Mabel worked as a sales clerk at J.J. Newberry’s Variety Store for 14 years and then at the Furniture Exchange. She and Gail purchased a produce market in Marysville where for 14 years they operated Kenney’s Market selling fruits and vegetables. After their retirement they became full time RVers for several years, made their home in Moses Lake for 9 years and then finally settled in Sedro-Woolley again in 2000.
Mabel enjoyed time with her family and her cats, gardening, sewing and reading.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Gail, at the family home in Sedro-Woolley. 2 daughters, Marilyn Kenney and her husband, James Johnson of Sedro-Woolley and Susan Yackley and her husband, Joel of Rochester, WA. 4 grandchildren, Martisha Snyder Dale, Jean Yackley, Katherine Yackley and Joell Farson Matthew. 4 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Memorials are suggested to the Disabled American Veterans or the Heart Fund.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday July 27, 2005 at 2:00 pm at the Saxon Cemetery with Pastor Richard Coursen of the First Baptist Church in Sedro-Woolley officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share memories of Mabel and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com