Edith Nichols Kennedy

Kennedy, Edith Nichols
91, passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at Legacy Retirement Residency of Mesa, Arizona. Born June 23, 1919, in Cheyenne, Oklahoma, to James Gilbert Nichols and Maude Mae Keener, she was raised with four brothers and a sister who proceeded her in death. Edith considered herself a "tomboy' never conceding a challenge, whether it was riding a bull in a rodeo or learning how to fly an airplane. On her 75th birthday, she river rafted. After attending college in Portales, New Mexico, she moved to Farmington, New Mexico, to work for the Civil Service as a secretary. It was in Farmington that she met her future husband, Troy Kennedy, and where together they raised their twin sons, Ronald and Donald. They were married for forty four years until Troy passed away from lung disease. Troy and Edith worked on the Navajo Indian Reservation, owning Navajo Trading Posts for many years. As prominent Indian traders, they developed many lasting and strong relationships with the Navajo people. Troy and Edith became known for their cultivation of Navajo weavers, ceremonial and "Yei bi chi" sand painting rugs on the Red Rock, Arizona, area of the reservation. When her boys were young and attending elementary school, Edith and Troy moved into Farmington, and Troy would then drive the 60 miles from the trading post every Saturday evening and return on Monday morning. Edith was so devoted to her twin sons, that she coached their little League games, and later attended every basket ball and tennis game she could. She was very prominent in politics, hosting candidates in her home and helping in fundraising events. She was an award winning gardener, and was especially proud of her huge yard with its hundreds of variety of roses. She was a board member of the Farmington Museum and helped create a trading post Indian exhibit. Troy and Edith also owned a car dealership with their son, Don. She was as devoted to her grandchildren as she was to her boys. She was affectionately known by them and all their friends as "Mema." Edith moved to Mesa, Arizona, to be near her son, Don, in 2003. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and her husband Troy. She leaves behind her sons, Ronald (Claudia) of Boise, Idaho, Donald(Sharon) of Mesa, Arizona, 5 grandchildren: Kevin Kennedy (Roxanne,) Jeni West (Mike) Karli Riley (Jared), Kati Van Poppel (Brian) and Krista Cromar (Bryan). 13 great grandchildren : Kyler Kennedy, Ashley West, Jocelyn Kennedy, Morgan Kennedy, McKale Riley, Jason West, Carson Kennedy, Beckam Cromar, Jase Riley, Myles Cromar, Troy James Van Poppel, Colette Riley and Kennedy Cromar. Funeral services will be held Wednesdy March 30th, 5pm. at Mariposa Gardens, 400 S. Power Road, Mesa, Arizona. A viewing will be held one hour before the service.