Sandra "Sandy" Kenkel

Sandra "Sandy" Kenkel died unexpectedly on Thursday September 22, 2022 at St. Elizabeth in Florence, KY. Sandy was 68 years old and had been in excellent health. Sandy was born on September 27, 1953 to Richard and Viola Cauvin. She was the oldest of four girls and was raised in Newport, KY. She was a proud graduate of Our Lady of Providence High School. Sandy was preceded in death by her father Richard "Dick" Cauvin, who died when Sandy was only 18 years old, and by her precious daughter Gina Marie who died in 1988 at age 2. Sandy was also pre-deceased by her mother-in-law, Hazel Kenkel (2002), her father-in-law Jack Kenkel, Sr. (2017), and her step-father, James "Jim" Pelzer (2020). Sandy is survived by her husband of 46 years, John "Jack" Kenkel. Sandy and Jack were married in 1976 after meeting at a Clifton bar two days after Christmas in 1974. Sandy loved Jack faithfully for their entire married life. Sandy also is survived by her children, Amy Kenkel (Brad), Kristen Cartwright (Eric), Johnny, and Richard, and by her 8 grandchildren, Ben, Caroline, Emily, Evan, Aria, Anna, Kira, and Kacie. Also surviving Sandy is her mother Viola Pelzer and her 3 sisters, Sharon Cecil, Marian Krogman, and Jenna Bamfield. Sandy's hobbies included reading, watching Jeopardy, attending the annual Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and hosting many family holiday gatherings. Her favorite hobby however was being with her grandchildren who affectionally called her "Nana" or "Nan". She loved taking them on walks, trips to the park, reading books to them, and most importantly, teaching them about their Catholic religion. Sandy was a country music fan, and especially enjoyed Jason Aldean, Toby Keith, Carly Pearce and Kane Brown. This past summer, Sandy and her two daughters had the trip of a lifetime when they attended the 4-day CMAFest in Nashville. Sandy had the best jobs in the world as a Wife, Mother and Nana. She was happiest when she was with her family. Sandy's life centered around her strong Catholic faith. She was kind, gentle, generous, and selfless. She made everyone feel special with a sincere greeting and smile. Even though she will be missed terribly, she is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved Gina. A visitation will be held at Stith Funeral Home, 7500 U.S. Hwy 42, Florence, KY 41042, on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 from 4:00 pm -7:00 pm and on Thursday September 29, 2022 before Mass at St. Augustine Church, 1839 Euclid Avenue, Covington, Kentucky 41014 from 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm with Mass at 6:00pm. Overflow parking will be available at Glenn O. Swing Elementary (501 W. 19th Street, Covington). A private burial will take place at St. Stephen Cemetery, Ft. Thomas. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Augustine Church at the above address. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.stithfuneralhomes.com.