In Loving Memory of Deanna Mary (Ochs) Kennedy
Deanna, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on July 10, 2025, at the age of 76. Her life was a testament to the power of kindness, devotion, and unwavering love. Deanna was born on November 4, 1948, in Quinter, Kansas to Clement & Emma Helen (Gallagher) Ochs & was raised on the farmstead in southwest Sheridan County. After high school graduation from Sheridan County High School in 1966, Deanna went on to finish her cosmetology license in Hays, Kansas. Not long after high school, Deanna married her high school sweetheart, Max Michael Kennedy on June 10, 1967. Max & Deanna started their married life in Hays while Max finished his college degree then moved to Stockton, Kansas where they lived for four years before returning to the farm in Hoxie, Kansas.
Although Deanna’s greatest joys were spent with her husband raising their three children, she understood the importance of sharing her love for others too. She was a woman whose caring heart knew no limits. Whether it was helping care for an ill friend, volunteering behind the scenes in her community, or simply sending a card for every occasion, Deanna always found a way to show others how much she cared. No birthday, anniversary, or milestone went unacknowledged, and her thoughtfulness brightened countless lives.
Her love for her family was the center of her world. She rarely missed a single game or event involving her children and grandchildren. With her ever-present camera in hand, she captured precious memories, recording games and taking photos to preserve each moment. At home, she nourished her family with delicious home-cooked meals with some family favorites of chili, tacos, sloppy joes, spaghetti, brownies, cookies, homemade hot chocolate and her famous pecan pies. Thousands of harvest meals were packed with care, always complete with a mason jar of tea and each one customized with their favorite candy bar.
Punctual to a fault, she was known to be early to everything, sometimes sitting in the car honking the horn to hurry her family along. Her days were filled with simple joys: dancing and traveling with her husband, the occasional gambling trip, and many years of crushing it in their couple’s bowling league in Hoxie in the 70s & 80s. The last fourteen years, mornings were spent at Oscar’s with some dear friends over a cup of iced tea.
Her community benefitted endlessly from her quiet dedication. She volunteered for Sodality, the Hospital Auxiliary, carnival & ballfield concessions, backstage during plays and musicals, and serving on the SCHS/HHS Alumni Board. She even stepped on the stage of a few NEC productions many years ago. She never sought recognition—only the satisfaction of helping others and seeing her community thrive.
Deanna loved deeply and worried often, always making sure everyone was safe, happy, and cared for. She leaves behind a legacy of generosity and love that will forever inspire all who knew her. Deanna is survived by her husband, Max Kennedy, son Brad Kennedy and fiancé Crystal, Hoxie, son Scott and wife Tanya Kennedy, Hoxie, and daughter Jodi and husband Brent Rogers, Hoxie, grandchildren Ashley (Jesse) Miller, Chase (Gabi) Kennedy, Jared Kennedy, Lane (Jaiden) Kennedy, Josey Kennedy, Mercedes Kennedy, Preston Kennedy, Brookelyn Kennedy, Paiton Rogers, & Kinley Rogers; and great-grandchildren, Maddi, Marcus and Jordyn Miller, Amelia and Bodie Kennedy, and Ada Kennedy; sister Carol Geerdes, brother Dan (Deb) Ochs and nieces & nephews. She is now reunited with those who went before her, especially her beloved parents, Clem & Emma Helen Ochs, brother Larry Ochs, and brother-in-law Robert Geerdes. She will be missed beyond measure, and her absence leaves a space in our hearts that can never be filled. Though she is gone, her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched and the memories she created.
A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St Frances Cabrini Church, Hoxie, Kansas. Visitation will take place on Sunday, July 13 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, with family present from 5:30 - 7:00 to receive friends. The vigil and rosary service will follow the visitation at 7:00 p.m. Memorial donations can be made to either Hoxie Recreation or Selden Recreation.