Nilene Ruth Kernen

Nilene R. Kernen, age 89, of Ithaca, died Thursday, September 22, 2011, at Gratiot Medical Center in Alma.

Nilene was born March 31, 1922, in Ithaca, the daughter of Nile and Blanche Place Crites. She graduated from Ithaca High School in 1939. She then lived in Detroit working as a bookkeeper.

Nilene married J.L. “Bud” Kernen on December 26, 1942, in Rolla, Missouri. Upon returning to Ithaca, she then worked as a legal secretary for Bob Arnold. While her children were young she enjoyed staying home to care for them. She then started doing bookkeeping for Beebe Furniture Store until she owned and operated Kernen Style Shoppe from 1972 until 2005.

Nilene was a member of the Eastern Star, Elks Lodge 1400 of Alma and the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed playing cards.

Nilene is survived by her children, Charles Kernen and Mary (Rick) Rimmel both of Ithaca; and her grandchildren, Adam Rimmel and Megan Rimmel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud Kernen; her parents; three sisters, Jeane Holcomb, Marge Lewellen, and Lucille Axel; and her dear friend Will Blakely.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday, September 26, 2011, at the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, with Pastor George Ayoub officiating. Interment will follow in Ithaca Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 Sunday, September 25, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca.

Comments

[Randi Sheldon]

So sorry for your loss. Mrs. Kernen was a really neat lady! Every time I went into her shop, she was so nice to me! She will be sadly missed.