Anna May Kench

Anna May Kench, 80, of Ithaca, passed away Friday, April 12, 2024 surrounded by her family at MyMichigan Health in Alma, Mi. 

Anna was born on October 18, 1943 in Alma, Michigan to Donald Lee and Anna May McGill. 

Anna is survived by her husband of 61 years, Gerald, “Butch,” her children Shelly (Alberto) Betancourt, Brian (Tamara) Kench, Karen (Jerry) Cooley, Daren (Elizabeth) Kench. Grandchildren Carl (Kelli), Kayla (Jasen), Curtis (Marcy), Albert (Danay), Lizette (Seth), Cetara, Corbin (Jordyn), McKenzie, McKennah, Madisyn (Travis), Dakota (Olivia), Taylor (Chris), Payne, Jackson, Lucas, and Adam. Great grandchildren Grace, Gavin, Henry, Leo, Harper, Helios, Kal, Braylon, Oaklynn, and Jack. Many nieces and nephews.

Anna was preceded in death by her family members including her father, Donald, mother, Anna, sister, Donna, and brothers Donald II, Robert (Duane), Dale, and Jack.

Anna enjoyed country music, dancing, playing cards, reading, golfing, watching the Detroit Tigers, and working in the yard. Anna’s biggest pride and joy was her family. 

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at the Ithaca Community Center in Ithaca Michigan. Visitation will take place from 10-11 am, funeral service at 11 am, and luncheon to follow.

Donations in her honor may be made to Schnepp’s Rehabilitation and Senior Center Activity Center or Gratiot Commission on Aging.

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Jeanne and Eric Watz and Family]

Our hearts and prayers go out to your family. We will miss Aunt Ann so much. We love all of you.
Love, Eric, Jeanne, and family

[Scott and Angela (Kench) Stiff]

Sending all my love to Uncle Butch, my cousins and their families. I pray you are all held tightly during this difficult time. Aunt Ann will always hold a special place in my heart.
Love, Angie, Scott, and family.

[Lisa Heimburger]

Steve and I are so sorry for the loss of your mom.
Sending sincere condolences to the entire family, along with prayers for comfort and peace during such a difficult time.
Steve and Lisa Heimburger

[Sheila Kay Sanders]

So sorry for your loss, sending prayers, hugs, for your entire family, during this difficult time of loss.

[Jeff Chaney]

Very sorry to hear about your loss. I have a lot of good memories of the Kench's growing up in Ithaca. My condolences to the family.

[Phyllis and Daryl Smith]

Dear Butch and family, sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping your family in prayer and thinking of you at this time.
Sending Hugs.
Daryl and Phyllis

[Craig and Peggy Stolz]

Dear Uncle Butch and cousins,
We love you all and our hearts are broken for you. We loved Aunt Ann so much and she will be greatly missed. Her smile and laugh were contagious! Many fond memories through the years. Just one word that will make you all smile…Aquire!!! Love and prayers to all of you.
Craig and Peggy

[Mindy Cooper]

Dear Uncle Butch and family,
My deepest sympathy is with you all. May you find peace and comfort during this time knowing how many lives Aunt Ann touched. All of the memories I have of her make me instantly smile. She will missed dearly.
Love, hugs and prayers always
Mindy, Raj and Lily Cooper

[Danette Kench]

My heart and prayers go out to Uncle Butch and my cousins. Aunt Ann will be so missed. Love and hugs to you all.

[John W Rayburn]

To my great friend and family.
So sorry to hear of your loss. So many memories of the 3 of us in our youth. Then getting together at class reunions and laughing at our old memories. So many good times. I pray for peace for you and your family. Be good old friend, I miss you.

[David Balfour]

Butch - I was very sorry to hear that you have lost your wife. All my sympathies to you and your family. Dave Balfour

[Jan Boyer]

My heart breaks for your loss. Love, hugs and prayers for my newly extended family.

[The Chase Family]

Miss Ann was the sweetest neighbor and we will miss her friendly smile and wave. Love and hugs to Butch and the whole family.

[Shari (Henry) Scheibling]

Butch and your family, please know we are thinking of you during this difficult time. Hugs and prayers for comfort.

[Nola Owen]

Ann was one of my special ladies,always so kind and sweet. Prayers for her family.She was devoted to you all.

[Barbie Scherping]

My heart goes out to all of your families. Ann was such a special wife and mom. She will be missed. I love you all so much!
Love, Aunt Barbie

[Jae and Trina Evans]

Butch, Shelley, Brian, Karen and Darren - so sorry to hear about Ann. We pray that your many wonderful memories you all experienced together over the years will bind you even closer.

[Carol Calkins]

Butch & Family
So sorry to hear about Ann. My deepest condolences to all of you. I always thought about her at her birthday & other times too. Have so many memories of her in our youth. It is wonderful that You had 61 years together & created your family. And all of your memories. My thoughts & prayers are with you.