Emily Josephine Kennell

Emily Josephine (Christner) Kennell, 90, of Sarasota, Florida; formerly of Benson, Illinois, passed away on May 23, 2025. She was born at Shelbyville, Illinois, on September 29, 1934 to the late Joe D and Emma (Eigsti) Christner. She was married to Kenneth D. Kennell from Roanoke, Illinois on April 16, 1955, at Mt. Herman A.M. Church in Shelbyville, Illinois. He passed away March 17, 2016. They were married 60 years. Emily was a homemaker and enjoyed spending many winters in Florida where she was a resident at Sunnyside Nursing Home for the last few years. She is survived by 3 daughters and 2 sons. Elaine (Roger) Hostetler of Afton, Iowa; Audrey (Nelson) Yoder of Centreville, Michigan; Jim (Sharon) Kennell of Sarasota, Florida; David (Diane) Kennell of Sarasota, Florida; and Lori (James) Graber of Seneca, South Carolina; 22 grandchildren and 54 great-grandchildren. Also survived by 1 sister, Barbara Hostetler of Roanoke, Illinois. Emily was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Gloria Christner, Lovina Miller, Luella Zoss, and Mary Christner; brothers Christy, Joe, Frank, and Jake; and 1 great grandson, Glen Alan Hostetler. She accepted Christ in her youth and was a member of the Linn Mennonite Church of Roanoke, Illinois. She faithfully attended Sarasota Mennonite Church while living in Florida as long as she was able. The family thanks everyone for expressions of sympathy, food, and acts of kindness. A special thanks to those that brightened her days with singing, phone calls, and visits. Also a special thanks to Sunnyside Health Services for their excellent care. There will be a visitation held on Sunday, May 25, 2025 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at Sarasota Mennonite Church. She will return to Illinois under the direction of Knapp Johnson Harris Funeral Home in Roanoke. Visitation there will be Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Linn Mennonite Church in Roanoke. Funeral will be Friday at 10:00 am also at the Linn Mennonite Church followed by interment at Stewart-Harmony Cemetery in Metamora, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made in Emily’s honor to the Gator Wilderness Camp School online at www.gatorwildernesscamp.com or to Global Disciples at www.globaldisciples.org . Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.MFHcares.com.

Emily Josephine Kennell

September 29, 1934 - May 23, 2025