Virginia “Ginger” Evelyn (Reed) Kennedy, was born in Douglas County, Missouri, July 4, 1940, to Elmer and Imogene (Dailey) Reed. From the age of 2, Virginia was raised by Elmer and Inda Anna Reed. Virginia went to be with Jesus on Nov. 13, 2020, at Texas County Memorial Hospital. She was 80 years of age. Virginia lived in Douglas County and attended Cabool schools until she got married to Glen on Sep. 10, 1956. Three children, Glenda, Edward “Buddy” and Paul were born to this marriage. They raised their family and made their home for 57 years until Glen’s passing in 2014. Virginia worked in various locations throughout the area where she got to use her many God-given talents and her beautiful personality in her work. In 2015, Virginia married John McGownd, who was a loving and faithful partner to her. Virginia enjoyed cooking, hosting, visiting with her loved ones, supporting her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, and attending church and worshipping the Lord. Her family can attest to the fact that it wasn’t unheard of to sit next to a stranger at Thanksgiving dinner because Virginia wanted everyone to have a place to go. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles “Glen” Kennedy; one son, Edward “Buddy” Kennedy; her mother, Inda Anna Reed-Dobson; one brother, Dallas Reed; and one sister, Shirley Reed.
Virginia is survived by her husband, John McGownd, of the home; and a large family and lots of friends. She is survived by her kids, Glenda Kentner and husband, Ronnie, of West Plains; and Paul Kennedy and wife, Debbie, of Vanzant; her step-children, Kathy Gnatek and husband, Bill, of Lockport, Ill.; Lisa Sniegowski and husband, Russell, of Arizona; and David McGownd and wife, Rhonda, of Fort Collins, Colo.; her siblings, Sharon Vandivort and husband, Bill, of Houston; Geneva Scheets and husband, Benny, of Cabool; sister-in-law, Patty Reed, of Cabool; Junior Reed and wife, Pat, of Mountain Grove; Janice Duke and husband, Duane, of Mountain Grove; and Billy Reed, of Lebanon; her grandchildren, Chris Kentner and wife, Toni, of Mountain View; Joey Kentner, of West Plains; Dustin Kennedy, of Kansas; Paul Edward Kennedy and wife, Beth, of Drury; Kytle Gibson, of Mountain Grove; Atasha Gibson, of Success; Kenny Gibson and wife, Heather, of Mountain Grove; Kevin Gibson and wife, Jennifer, of Oklahoma; Tammy Burdic and husband, Jerry, of Lebanon; David Ward, of Grovesprings; Kimberly Scott and husband, Jeremy, of Springfield; and Katie Kentner, of Ozark; several step-grandchildren; great grandchildren; and a great-great grandchild, all of whom she loved deeply. Private graveside services for Virginia Kennedy were held at Fairview Cemetery in Douglas County, Missouri, with the Rev. Ed Williamson officiating. Chris Kentner, Joey Kentner, Paul Edward Kennedy, Kenny Gibson and Charles Kennedy served as pallbearers. Song selections were “You Raise Me Up,” “Go Rest High On That Mountain” and “Dancing In The Sky.” Burial was in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
