Judy Ann Kenton, age 85 of Mitchell SD passed away Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Edgewood Memory Care surrounded by her family.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am, Thursday December 7, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church with burial at Calvary Cemetery at a later date.  Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm Wednesday December 6, 2023 at Will Funeral Chapel.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be directed to Avera Hospice or the Holy Family Catholic Church.

Judy came into this world on June 19, 1938 in Platte, SD.  She was the youngest of 5 children to Kenneth and Genevieve Barnhart.

Judy attended Notre Dame in Mitchell until 9th grade then she went to Mitchell Senior High School and graduated in 1956.  Judy's class of 1956 celebrated their 65th class reunion in 2021.  Judy and Dick loved being involved in the reunion committee and their close friendships they kept with their classmates for all those years.  "Fun is the spice of life and I have lots of seasons!"  This is Judy's quote in her senior year book.

Judy suffered a lot of hardships as a child. Her father died when she was 14.  After graduation from high school, Judy helped take care of her Mom who had MS.  Judy also worked as a secretary.  When her future husband, Dick Kenton, was discharged from the Navy, they courted for a year before being united in marriage on July 1, 1961 in San Gabriel, CA.

Judy was a homemaker for her 7 children until her 7th child graduated from high school.  Judy then began working at Queen of Peace in Admitting.  She loved her job.  Judy worked for 10 years and retired to help take care of her grandchildren.

Judy's favorite thing was spending time with her family.  If she wasn't doing that, she liked writing letters, crocheting, knitting, yard work, making caramels and fudge at Christmas time, always wanted to Make America Great Again!  Judy was very proud of her grandson Ryan Kenton who is currently serving in the Marines.  She was a lover of life and enjoyed making people laugh.  Judy was a devout Catholic and loved to go to daily mass.  One of her favorite things was being involved in Woman's Bible Study and the beautiful relationships she formed with those ladies.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children, Joe (Mary Beth) Kenton, Arvada, CO, Dan Kenton, Mitchell, SD, Jerry Kenton, Mitchell, SD, Mary (Scott) Tilberg, Ethan, SD, Genevieve (Rick) Weber, Alexandria, SD, Ron (Michelle) Kenton, Fredricksburg, VA, Zach (Beth) Kenton, Madison, SD; 20 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.  Two brother-in-laws, Don Giese, Chamberlain, SD and Jim (Carol) Kenton, Ames, IA.  A sister-in-law, Judi Kenton, Carrollton, TX and several nieces and nephews.

Judy is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Dick, a grand daughter, Hannah Weber, her sister Jan Giese, and her brothers, Dick, Don, and Bob Barnhart.