Bernice Lucina Kendell

Bernice Lucina Kendell 1925-2012

Very much loved sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend, Bernice Lucina Kendell, passed away on Monday, June 11, 2012 in Ogden, Utah of causes incident to age. She was 87 years old. She left this world reluctantly and fought valiantly until the very end. She wasn''t ready to go as she still had things to do and friends to greet. She was surely welcomed by all of those family members and friends who had gone on before her and she will be missed by those of us left behind to carry on without her wisdom and guidance.

Bernice was born May 8, 1925 in South Weber, Utah, a daughter of Henry Timothy and Stella Lucina Patterson Kendell. She lived most of her life on the family farm in South Weber working side-by-side with her parents and brothers. When her brothers left to establish their adult lives, she stayed on to care for her parents and to safeguard the family''s legacy on the farm. Although she lost the majority of her eyesight many years ago, she continued to live independently on the farm until she was almost 85 years old.

She attended Davis County schools and graduated from Davis High School and LDS Seminary. She attended Weber State University and graduated from the LDS Institute of Religion. During this time, she sang in a highly favored unique double-trio called "The Mussettes". She also completed numerous courses relative to banking with the American Institute of Banking.

Bernice was employed at the Weber County Treasurer''s and Auditor''s Office as a deputy clerk for many years. She also was the Office Manager at the Ogden Beneficial Life Insurance Company; at First Security Bank of Utah NA in the Loan Department; and in the Trust Department at Commercial Security Bank. She later worked in the Minuteman Missile Program and, subsequently, transferred to Accounting and Finance at Hill Air Force Base, a position she retired from in 1973.

She was active in the Ogden community. She had been First Vice President and later President of the Northern Utah Chapter of the National Association of Bank Women. She was President of the Ogden Chapter of Business and Professional Women. She had been President of the Ogden Credit Women''s Club and was chosen the Outstanding Credit Woman of the year. She also served as Utah State Treasurer for the Utah Federation of Business and Professional Women.

She accomplished much during her lifetime, bringing to each day an elegance and beauty that seemed to follow her and become part of her every endeavor. She will be remembered as a wonderfully creative woman who gave so much of herself to others. She expressed herself so beautifully in the music she wrote, arranged and played. Thousands of heartfelt sermons were delivered as she played her beautiful piano and organ music, having considerable knowledge of the Gospel and its messages which she conveyed through her wonderful talent. She tenderly touched the hearts of thousands as they were moved into acknowledging the spiritual devotion they had for their Lord and Savior.

Bernice, and her brothers, Fred and Howard, sang at many weddings and funerals. The demand for their talents was such that there was one month where they sang at 56 different functions. She was always anxious for others to develop their musical talents and taught numerous young students for many years.

She loved and was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and spent much time studying the Scriptures. She served in numerous church positions, including Ward Organist for many years. She served in the Sunday School as a teacher and organist; in Primary as a teacher and organist; in the Young Women''s Mutual Improvement Association as First Counselor, teacher and organist; and in Relief Society as organist. She was also a pianist for the Lakeview Stake Men''s Choir. She served on the South Ogden Stake Sunday School Board. She completed a special calling for the Ogden Utah Stake to serve a Church Service Mission in the Ogden area which lasted many years beyond the specified calling. She especially enjoyed the calling to serve as a Temple Organist at the Ogden LDS Temple which she did for many years. She enjoyed doing Temple work and was able to accomplish a great deal. She worked in the Church Extraction Program and enjoyed that phase of church work. She sang in various chorales, church choirs, small groups, trios and duets. She was very well known for her musical abilities and contributions. She was especially pleased to generously contribute to the Church''s Temple Building Fund during the last years of life.

Bernice served faithfully and diligently her entire life helping those in ill health and also the poor and needy. Her life-long efforts were to sustain those who were in need of help. She found her happiness in serving others. She lovingly cared for her Dad as a full-time caregiver for the last 11 years of his life. She was a treasured friend to all who passed through her life.

Bernice is survived by her sister-in-law, Nancy Kendell Barron, numerous nieces and one very special nephew, Fred W. Kendell and his wife, Karen, and children. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Mary Louise, and brothers, Grant Alexander Kendell, Fred Henry Kendell, and Howard Pingree Kendell.

The family wishes to extend its sincere thanks to the staff at ManorCare for the loving care Bernice received while a resident. Special thanks also to Dr. Garry MacKenzie, the physician whose care and concern surely extended Bernice''s life and whose friendship Bernice treasured.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 18, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. with Bishop Richard Peek officiating. Friends may visit with family on Monday from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Uintah Cemetery in the family plot.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you remember Bernice with a donation to either the Church Temple Building Fund or the General Missionary Fund, both of which she supported so generously in her lifetime.