Inez Kenzy

Inez Claire (Nelson) Kenzy, 96, of Iona, South Dakota passed away on November 29, 2023, at Community Memorial Hospital in Burke, SD.
Inez was born on March 23, 1927, in Shelton, WA, to Theodore and Pearle (Heitzmann) Nelson. Her family moved to Iona in the fall of 1927, where she would spend the rest of her life. She attended school in Iona and graduated valedictorian. She recalls her family having one of the first cars in the area, as her dad was a mail carrier in Iona for many years. Inez and her sister Doris were best friends, and being close in age, were often mistaken for twins. They exchanged weekly letters for many years.
Inez married Harry Kenzy on March 13, 1943. Together they enjoyed raising their six children, and then watching their children's families grow. They lived on the same place their entire lives raising cattle and horses. One of her favorite vacations was a trip to Hawaii with Harry for their 50th anniversary. She loved being a homemaker and taking care of her children and later her grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and feeding crews and visitors. Her caramel rolls and peanut butter balls will be missed by all. She shared these treats with many throughout the area.
Inez enjoyed visits with her neighbors and friends and was one of the founding members of the Iona Friendly Neighbors Club. Through the years, Inez made many embroidery items, and over 100 blue jean quilts, that she gave away. These are favorite keepsakes for her grandchildren, as well as many other family and friends. She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren participate in school events, sports activities, and rodeos, along with listening to their stories regarding these activities. She looked forward to receiving calls and visits from her children, grandchildren, and friends to keep up on the events in their lives. Inez loved hosting large family gatherings, where extra guests were always welcome. Her refrigerator was full of family pictures, but she always made room for one more.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years in 2009. Inez was the last surviving member of the Theodore Nelson family being preceded in death by her parents, infant brother Theodore Jr., brother Eugene, and four sisters: Helen Sanders, Arliss Peterson, Doris Stidham and Joyce LeLaCheur. Also preceding her in death was infant great-granddaughter, Iona Kuhn.
Inez is survived by her six children: Dennis (Joan) Kenzy of Iona, SD; Robert (Sammi) Kenzy of Rapid City, SD; Ted (Jane) Kenzy of Winner, SD; Janelle (Al) Fabbiano of Elk Grove, IL; Dianne (Paul) Andrews of Rapid City, SD; and Frank (Jerri Lynn) Kenzy of Iona, SD; and by 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.
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Funeral Services for Inez Kenzy, age 96, of Iona, SD, were held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 10:00 am at Prairie View Gospel Barn in Gregory, South Dakota, with Reverend Thaniel Certa-Werner officiating. A visitation and prayer service were held Monday evening at the Gospel Barn.
Music was provided by Bette Fogel, pianist. Congregational hymns were "Precious Memories," "Beyond the Sunset," and "God Be With You Till We Meet Again." Soloist Avery McEntee sang "There Will Be Peace in the Valley."
Eulogies were given by Charlie Kenzy, Erin Beck, Brittany Hagen, and Brianna Pesek.
Roxi Kenzy and Kim Kenzy were in charge of registration.
Flower attendants were Michelle Kuhn and Toni McEntee.
Casket Bearers were Mark Kenzy, Ryan Kenzy, Chris Kenzy, Justin Kenzy, Jeff Fabbiano, Ben Pesek, Blake Pesek, and Myles Kenzy.
Interment was in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Gregory, SD.