Lillian V. “Lil” Kennel, age 77 of Batesville, died Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at her residence. Born January 12, 1939 in Middletown, Ohio, she is the daughter of Virginia (Nee: Carbery) and Elton Kennel. A second-grade teacher for 44 years at St. Louis School, she helped shape countless young girls and boys before retiring in 2004. She was a member of St. Louis Church, spent 13 years on the Batesville Memorial Library Board, a member of Beta Sigma Phi, and the Jamaican Mission Team of St. Louis Church, making two trips. She was honored as Teacher of the Year by the American Legion, a Blessed Mother Theodore Guerin Excellence in Education Award recipient and earned a trip to Rome from the Franciscan priests for her years of teaching.
Lil was an avid reader who loved Debbie Macomber novels and enjoyed shopping and following I.U. Basketball as well. She relished staying connected with her former students and fellow teachers. Some would call or visit, others would meet her regularly for lunch and some would join her for social outings or to events at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati.
Lil is survived by sisters Marianne Scheper of Edgewood, Kentucky, Jean (Leo) Kruthaupt, Rosemary (Lloyd) Ball, both of Brookville, Indiana; brothers Elton of Brookville, Indiana, George (Ruth) of Pensacola, Florida; sister-in-law Jean Kennel of Hamilton, Ohio and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by brothers John, Loren and Ival.
Visitation is Saturday, January 7th, from 9 – 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Louis Church with Rev. Ric Schneider O.F.M. officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family requests memorials to the Lil Kennel Endowment Fund at St. Louis School or Margaret Mary Health Foundation Hospice.