Lily Lois (Harrel) Kendall, 78-year-old Leedey resident, went to her heavenly home on June 11, 2024, at her home. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, June 15, at Leedey First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Shirley Cemetery west of Leedey.

Lily Lois Harrel was born on October 1, 1945, to George and Ila Mae (Britton) Harrel in the family home in northeast Roger Mills County. She attended Liberty Center School before eventually graduating from Leedey Schools. She excelled in academics and athletics at Leedey High School, graduating in 1963. She first attended Oklahoma State University, lettering in Women's Intramurals. She transferred to Southwestern Oklahoma State University to chase a boy, graduating in 1967 with a degree in Education.

She was united in marriage on January 22, 1966, to Michael Kendall in Leedey. They were blessed with two children, Michele and Joel.

She eventually earned a master's degree in library science from Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Lily taught and was a librarian at several schools, including Fargo, Reydon, Tipton, Mooreland, Woodward, and Leedey. She was instrumental in developing and improving media centers at elementary schools in Mooreland and Woodward.

After Mick retired from Mooreland Public Schools in 2000, the couple built a home west of Leedey 30 yards from where Lily was born and raised. Lily was dedicated to service to Leedey. She served as secretary for the Leedey First Baptist Church for several years and volunteered for everything from cooking meals to teaching Sunday School. Even after retirement, she continued to work in the school library and as a mentor for students. She could be seen at all the school events, including state tournaments. She was the founder of the Leedey Education Foundation, and with the help of 10 other LEF board members, she started a foundation that over the past 10 years has provided financial assistance for hundreds of students and teachers.

She was dedicated to her family. She was very involved in her children's lives, celebrating their achievements at Mooreland Public Schools and beyond. She was most proud of her three grandchildren. She took every chance to see them or get them out to her house. She went to all their sporting events, including countless cold days watching cross country meets, football games, golf matches, and softball games.

Lily lived an active life. She made many quilts and special gifts for her grandchildren and others. She took care of children and helped with special events at the Mooreland and Leedey churches, developing life-long friendships along the way. She loved golfing with Mick throughout the country. Family vacations included snow skiing and fishing on Lake Powell. Her relationship with the Harrel and Britton cousins was strong, and she helped with the annual family reunions. She and sister Susan put together two Harrel family cookbooks for the reunions. She enjoyed walking, annually participating in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon's 5K. She was an incredible cook. Her cinnamon rolls and molasses cookies were enjoyed by hundreds of people, including Lane's roommates at OSU, Ethan's hunting buddies, and Kendall's softball teammates at Harvard.

She is survived by her husband, Mick, of the home; daughter, Michele, and her husband, Kenny, of Stillwater; son, Joel, and his wife, Allison, of Weatherford; one sister, Susan Haxton and husband Dan, of Leedey; one brother, Eddie Harrel and wife Janeta, of Elk City; sister-in-law Joan Harrel of Leedey; grandchildren, Lane Kendall of Stillwater, Ethan Kendall of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Kendall Jean of Stillwater. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ila Mae; and one brother, Bob Harrel.

Memorial donations may be made to:

Leedey Education Foundation

C/O Shaw Funeral Home

P.O. Box 276

Vici, OK 73859.