Inez Kenzy

Funeral services for Inez Kenzy, of Iona, SD, were held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Prairie View Gospel Barn in Gregory, SD, with Revered Thaniel Certa-Werner officiating.

Music was provided by the congregation, accompanied by Bette Fogel, pianist, and Avery McEntee, soloist. Roxi Kenzy and Kim Kenzy, were in charge of registration, and flower attendants were Michelle Kuhn and Toni McEntee.

Casket bearers were Mark Kenzy, Ryan Kenzy, Chris Kenzy, Justin Kenzy, Jeff Fabbiano, Ben Pesek, Blake Pesek, and Myles Kenzy.

Interment was in the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Inez Claire (Nelson) Kenzy, age 96, of Iona, SD, passed away on November 29, 2023, at Community Memorial Hospital in Burke, SD.

Inez was born on March 23, 1927, in Shelton, WA, to Theodore and Pearle (Heitzmann) Nelson. Her family moved to Iona in the fall of 1927, where she would spend the rest of her life. She attended school in Iona and graduated valedictorian. She recalls her family having one of the first cars in the area, as her dad was a mail carrier in Iona for many years. Inez and her sister Doris were best friends, and being close in age, were often mistaken for twins. They exchanged weekly letters for many years.

Inez married Harry Kenzy on March 13, 1943. Together they enjoyed raising their six children, and then watching their children’s families grow. They lived on the same place their entire lives, raising cattle and horses. One of her favorite vacations was a trip to Hawaii with Harry for their 50th anniversary. She enjoyed being a homemaker and taking care of her children and later her grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and feeding crews and visitors.

Inez enjoyed visits with her neighbors and friends and was one of the founding members of the Iona Friendly Neighbors Club.

Through the years, Inez made many embroidery items, and over 100 blue jean quilts, that she gave away. She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren participate in school events, sports activities, and rodeos. Inez enjoyed hosting large family gatherings, where extra guests were always welcome.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years in 2009. Inez was the last surviving member of the Theodore Nelson family, being preceded in death by her parents; infant brother Theodore Jr., brother Eugene; and four sisters, Helen Sanders, Arliss Peterson, Doris Stidham, and Joyce LeLaCheur; and an infant great-granddaughter, Iona Kuhn.

Inez is survived by her six children: Dennis (Joan) Kenzy of Iona, SD, Robert (Sammi) Kenzy of Rapid City, SD, Ted (Jane) Kenzy of Winner, SD, Janelle (Al) Fabbiano of Elk Grove, IL, Dianne (Paul) Andrews of Rapid City, SD, and Frank (Jerri Lynn) Kenzy of Iona, SD; 16 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren, and by

many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.