Elizabeth Goldie McKinley Kenney

Elizabeth Goldie McKinley Kenney, lovingly known as “Liz,” passed away peacefully, leaving behind a life rich in creativity, faith, and quiet generosity.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Liz was the only daughter among five brothers. Affectionately called “Sister,” she grew up learning how to meet life head-on. Long before she could legally drive, she already knew how to repair a car, a clear reflection of her natural curiosity, independence, and determination, traits that defined her throughout her life.

Fearless and curious, Liz earned her pilot’s license before her driver’s license and proudly served as a member of the Civil Air Patrol, showing early on that she was never one to be limited by convention.

She was a brilliant seamstress, with a talent rooted in both necessity and vision. As a child, she learned to create patterns from potato sacks and from that humble beginning, developed a remarkable ability to design clothing by instinct. Later in life, Liz applied her gift in deeply compassionate ways: sewing swimsuits, gowns, and dresses for women who had undergone mastectomies long before the fashion industry offered options with dignity and grace. Through her sewing, she offered comfort, beauty, and confidence. Later, as a breast cancer survivor herself, this work became even more personal.

While working at Bell Telephone Company in Birmingham, Liz met the love of her life, Tom Kenney. Their marriage, rooted in creativity, respect, and enduring faith, spanned over seven decades. Together they built a beautiful life and, later, opened TK Limited, a studio art gallery in Dayton, Ohio, where Liz’s eye for detail and craftsmanship made her an integral part of the gallery’s success.

Liz’s creativity wasn’t limited to the sewing room. She was an avid baker, knitter, and crocheter, known for filling her home and the homes of others with handmade warmth and care. She was rarely without a project in hand or something in the oven. Her cakes, homemade soups, and especially her generosity with food were how she expressed love and appreciation. For Liz, sharing what she made was her way of showing appreciation.

A devoted member of First Light Church in Vandalia, Ohio, Liz lived her faith not just in belief, but in quiet, consistent action. Her kindness and hospitality left a lasting imprint on everyone who knew her.

Liz is survived by her three children: Brad (Teresa) Kenney, Greg (Lynn) Kenney, and Beth Kenney; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

She will be remembered for her gifted hands, her nurturing heart, and the countless lives she touched through simple, beautiful acts of homemade love. Her legacy is felt in every quilted memory, every cake shared in good company, every stitch of love passed down across generations.

A memorial service will be held in honor of Liz and her husband, Tom, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, 139 S. Dixie Dr., Vandalia, OH 45377. Family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.