Saturday, April 27, 2024
Beatrice “Bea” Kenoyer died peacefully in her home Sept. 8, 2016. She was 89.
Bea was born Dec. 13, 1926 in Spokane, Wash. She grew up and attended school in Bremerton, Wash., where she graduated from Bremerton High School in 1944.
She attended Washington State College (now Washington State University) for two years, then transferred to the University of Washington. She graduated in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology.
At UW, she met the love of her life, Howard Kenoyer, and they were married during spring break of their senior year.
She also joined the Delta Zeta sorority while at the university, and she remained active in DZ alumni groups for many years.
Bea was a dedicated and much-loved member of Mukilteo Presbyterian Church in Mukilteo.
She loved to be involved in groups and clubs where her organizational skills and reliability often led her to take on leadership roles.
Bea had an infectious enthusiasm and a slightly goofy sense of humor. She loved the Pacific Northwest more than anywhere else on Earth.
She did not like fussiness or pretension, and she had fun no matter what she was doing. She was compassionate and giving, always looking for ways to help others. She had a habit of telling everyone around her how wonderful they were and making them feel appreciated.
Bea goes to join her beloved husband, Howard, who preceded her in death three years ago.
Her passing leaves a void in the lives of her children: Laurel Schantz, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; David Kenoyer of Plattsburgh, N.Y.; and Linda Kenoyer of Livingston, Mont.
Her memory also lives on in the hearts of her grandchildren, Karl Schantz, Claire Schantz, Sarah Schantz, David Kenoyer and Brian Kenoyer; and her great-grandchildren Everest Shives, Joseph Kenoyer-Shives, Naomi Kenoyer-Shives, Lovell Schantz, and Oliver Jordan.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 at Mukilteo Presbyterian Church, 4514 84th St. SW, Mukilteo.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bea’s memory to the Mukilteo Food Bank, which is housed in the Presbyterian church.
