Lucy Vontrice Kennedy

Lucy Vontrice Kennedy, born on October 13, 1926, in Garfield, Arkansas, passed away peacefully, at the age of 98, at Homestead Assisted Living of Russell, Kansas on July 4, 2025. She was the beloved middle daughter of John Seaburn and Sarah Elizabeth (O'Neil) Clark. Proud of her Cherokee heritage, Lucy was known for her distinctive black hair and her deep connection to her Native American roots.

Lucy's early years were spent in the hills of Arkansas until her family relocated to Webster, Kansas, when her mother married "Daddy Homer" Doughty. Lucy began 7th grade in Webster, a time she fondly remembered as one of the happiest periods of her life. It was here that she learned to crochet from a teacher at the Webster school, a skill she cherished and practiced until her 90s when it became too difficult. She was known for using vibrant and exotic colors in her crochet work.

In 1944, Lucy married Fred Schoeller in Hill City, Kansas. Together they welcomed one son, Michael Homer Schoeller, before eventually parting ways. Lucy later married Kenneth "Bud" Clarence Kennedy on February 22, 1966 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton, Kansas, and the couple made their home in Plainville, Kansas. Kenneth preceded her in death on February 29, 1988. Lucy found companionship once again with W.K. "Kenny" Bjornstad, with whom she shared 16 joyful years until his death in 2004. Their time together was filled with adventures, including driving flag cars for Schult Mobile Home and fishing at Webster Lake and other ponds. Through this relationship she became a "bonus" grandma for the entire Bjornstad clan. She later rekindled a relationship with her high school friend, Alva "Alvie" Winters of Hill City.

A dedicated and hardworking woman, Lucy pursued various roles throughout her career. She graduated from Logan High School in 1959 and furthered her education with a Nancy Taylor secretarial certificate from Manhattan, Kansas, in 1960. She completed a general secretarial course at Brown-Mackie School of Business in Salina in 1961 and was certified as a typist and stenographer by the U.S. Civil Service Commission. Lucy also earned her nurse's aide certification in 1968. Her career included roles as a waitress, cook, CNA and owner of the East-Side Cafe in Logan, Kansas. She later worked at the Midway Cafe in Stockton, where her delicious meals and warm hospitality left a lasting impression on those she served. She was known for her homemade pies, banana bread, and Christmas fruitcake.

Lucy was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, and the VFW Auxiliary in Plainville. She also served as a foster grandparent for Plainville Elementary classes from 2004 to 2009. She greatly cherished her time spent with the children at USD #270.

Lucy is survived by her daughter-in-law, Karla Schoeller, Halstead, KS; three grandchildren, Phillip, Valery and Sarah; three step-children, Sharon Inks, Karol Shaw and David Kennedy; step-grandchildren; a niece and nephews; her "bonus" family and many friends. Lucy will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud; son, Michael Homer Schoeller; sisters, Shirley Patricia Iman and Jimmie Eugenia Carswell; step-son, Ken Kennedy; and two nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home 320 SW 2nd Plainville, KS 67663. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Plainville. Visitation will be held from Noon until 2:00 PM prior to the service at the Funeral Home.

Lucy will be remembered for her strength, resilience, and the love she shared with those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, hard work, and the importance of cherishing every moment.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, the family kindly asks that you consider volunteering your time to work with children or spreading kindness to friends and neighbors with homemade baked goods, as Lucy often did and would have continued to do.