Lavaune Marilyn Kennedy

LaVaune Marilyn Kennedy, also known as “GiGi,” passed away on January the 28th, 2022 of natural causes at Riverview Rehabilitation Center in Boise.   She was born on March 16, 1939 in Boise, Idaho to Marcella Robertson and Sydney Roy.  She was a fourth generation Idahoan and a member of Daughters of the American Revolution .

LaVaune is survived by her faithful husband Robert Dale Kennedy Sr. and her brother, Dee, her daughter Marilyn and her son, Beau.  She had six grandchildren: Lauren, David, Owen, Darby, Emira, and Edie and four great grandchildren: Luke, Madeline, Eden, and Elliette.  She was preceded in death by her daughter, Nicole.

Early in her career, LaVaune excelled at bookkeeping and office management and worked in the automobile sales business in California and for the Ford Motor Co.  LaVaune was later a volunteer office worker for many years at Ustick Baptist Church.

She loved all forms of reading and derived extensive knowledge and wisdom through her studies.   She loved to be behind the wheel and didn’t waste any time getting from one place to another.  Her hobbies included painting sceneries in oil, knitting, cross-stitching, playing cards, and writing.   Her family enjoys memories of her love of country music, cinema, and sporting events.  She was a natural leader, never met a stranger, and was a woman you regretted to disappoint.

LaVaune married Bob in 1998, whom she said gave her the best years of her life.  She never knew what it was to be loved, and to love a man back, until she met Bob.  Their marriage vows (for better or for worse, in sickness and health) are inadequate in describing the selflessness of this Godly man.  Bob was a gift to LaVaune and our family; and their love for one another is an example to us all.

A devout Christian and follower of Christ, she earned a Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies and was a teacher to many women as it pertained to the true meaning of Christianity.   Perhaps LaVaune’s most precious gift to others was her ability to listen and respond in a way that always conveyed God’s unconditional love for us and His unending grace.   She rarely gave unsolicited advice, despite her strong convictions on almost any subject.   She loved her family and she spoke often of how proud they made her. She rejoiced in her suffering (Romans 5:3-5) and was a courageous woman.  Her faith in God was unwavering and her family finds peace in knowing she left our arms to be wrapped in His.

Her wisdom, poise, wit, sense of humor, and resolve are all evidenced in her husband, her children and grandchildren alike.  Grandma, thanks for the tomatoes.

Scripture Alone, Christ Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone, and Glory to God Alone.

A graveside service will be held at Terrace Lawn Memorial Gardens at 4255 E Fairview Ave, Meridian, ID 83642 on Friday, February 4th at 1:00 with a reception after.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Feed the Children, The Boise Rescue Mission, or the Wounded Warrior Project in her name.

A special thank you to the nursing team at St. Luke’s Riverview Rehabilitation for their kindness and compassion to LaVaune.