Christy Ritchie Kennedy, 74, of Charleston, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
She was born February 2, 1952, to the late David Livingston Hodges and Kathryn Jeannette
Hodges. She is also preceded in death by her beloved husband Steven Owen Kennedy and her Sister Toni Gale Penix.
Christy spent her early years in Hernshaw before moving to Marmet, attending East Bank High School, graduating in 1970. She worked at the Phone Company and retired from Verizon after 34 dedicated years of service.
She was a long-standing member of Kanawha City Baptist Church in Charleston, serving faithfully as treasurer and Sunday school teacher. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend with a strong love for those in her life and her community, with a deep faith that guided her.
Christy’s focus in life was her family, and will leave behind a legacy of love, togetherness and connection. She loved birthdays and holidays, always making sure that everyone in her life had a gathering to be celebrated and cared deeply about family traditions.
She and Steve had a deep love for the state of West Virginia and loved traveling around the state to our Wild and Wonderful State Parks. Each fall they were always on the lookout for the gorgeous colors that our trees turn and the beauty that God provides us.
Christy is survived by her son Chris Ritchie (Lindsey) of Charleston, stepson Mark Kennedy (Lynn) of St. Albans, stepdaughter Amanda Wheeler (Cliff) of St. Albans and stepson Scott Kennedy: Her beloved sister Penny Jarrell (Greg) of Dry Creek; Grandchildren, Bentley, Corey, Drew, Tyler and Michael; Aunt Laverne Miller.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her steadfast nephew David Penix, and beloved nieces Kelli Hasse (Kevin and Anna Lee) and Katie McEldowney (Joey) as well as countless others on Steve’s side of the family that she loved dearly.
We also need to recognize the deep love that Christy had for her friends who loved her and cared for her so deeply. Cindy, Connie, Patty, Zoe, Janet, Gracie and her work friends Joanne, Dottie, Sandy, Karen and countless others. Your friendship carried her and lifted her. Her friends were her family.
Funeral Services will be at her place of worship, Kanawha City Baptist church on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM followed by a dinner.
In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Kanawha Hospice at 1606 Kanawha Boulevard West, Charleston, WV 25387.
You may visit Christy’s tribute page at cookefuneralhome.com to share memories or condolences with the family
