Ryan Wilhite

“Remembering Kathy Kendall”

Well done my good and faithful servant. I don’t understand the reasons behind many things in this world, but I do know my Aunt Kathy heard those words as she was met by God in heaven. 

My mom’s sister, Kathy Kendall passed away on February 8th. She had just celebrated her 72nd Birthday a few days before. God had helped her overcome skin cancer on her head in 2024. She had a brain aneurysm Saturday night and God called her home the next afternoon. She was doing so well and this was very unexpected. 

We’re all glad that she isn’t suffering anymore and with Jesus. But it’s still hard to understand and wonder why. She left behind a son and daughter, grandkids, sisters and many other loved ones and friends. I pray for peace for all of them during this time. 

Death can be a tough one for a believer. We rejoice knowing they’re in better place now, but mourn that they aren’t with us here on earth. It’s okay to cry when life hits hard, even Jesus wept. Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” 

Her son Daniel is a few years older than me. I have always looked up to him since we were kids. He reached out Saturday night with the news that she was in the hospital. I was at a concert with my son and my heart sunk. I began praying along with many others. He gave me peace that night, that He is in control.

God is still in the miracle business and I knew He had the power to heal her. He heals all those who believe, sometimes it just isn’t until heaven. Proverbs 3:5–6  says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Kathy reminded me a lot of my grandpa. She loved God and loved people. Every single time we were together, the conversations always revolved around God and what He was doing in our lives or in the past. The fruits of the spirit shined bright through her. She took care of my grandpa in his later years. They would always drive out and watch me plant or harvest. She even got to ride in the combine back in 2018, on my first eight acres I was farming. She didn’t just talk about God, but lived out her faith by being an example to all who crossed her path. 

Back in 2010 when I graduated high school. I didn’t want anything to do with God. I still thought He was disappointed in me or maybe not even real. She gave me a little New Testament NIV Bible for my graduation present, along with a never ending year supply of her amazing cookies she baked. What I didn’t realize then was, God had planted a seed through my aunt Kathy. Two years later at rock bottom, I stumbled upon that old Bible she had given me. I asked God into my heart and began a relationship with Him. I had so many addictions and struggles at that time.

I began talking to God about everything, reading that little Bible and asking God to show me things I needed to hear. He spoke so clearly through those words and helped me make some much needed changes. God planted a seed through her and He began a work in me that He will carry out until He calls me home. I still have that Bible, it’s worn out and falling apart. I still read it when I need to, as I keep it in my truck now. God used her to have an impact on my life and so many others.  

She wore a lot of hats while here on earth, a teacher, parent, best friend, sister, prayer warrior and many other things, but the most important one was a servant of God. We may not know all of the why’s while here on earth, but God works all things out for the good and His glory. 

As we all mourn and grieve over the loss of Kathy, I pray God will give us peace knowing that she finished the race strong and was greeted with the words “Well done my good and faithful servant.”