Obituary of Dee Johnson Kennedy

Dee Johnson Kennedy went to the loving arms of the Lord on Sunday, March 7, 2021, at the age of 66 years, following a brief illness.

Dee was born August 11, 1954 in Fullerton, Nebraska, the daughter of Milton and Patsy (Fitzgerald) Johnson.

She leaves behind her husband of 27 years, Bruce K. Kennedy, and her daughter and son-in-law, Cassie Kennedy McDonald and Jacob McDonald of Branson. She was also loved by her step-daughters and their families, Holly Towkaniuk and Jami Cooper, four grandchildren, and her three sisters, Barb Atkins, Kathy Bateman, and Connie Jo Lebore, three nieces, two nephews, and myriad of friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Milton (Ike) and Patsy Fitzgerald Johnson.

Dee was known by her friends and family for her quick wit and humor. She was a force to be reckoned with when playing trivia, and could identify any song, songwriter, or artist on “Name That Tune”. One of Cassie’s fondest memories of her Mom was singing and dancing along with the radio on road trips. Her Game Night friends will miss her dearly.

If you were an unwanted stray kitten, Dee would take care of you. She would come out in the middle of the night, in any kind of weather, to make sure you were fed and loved, for years, if that’s what it took. She spent her own money to have these feral cats that she cared for trapped and neutered or spayed. Her fur babies were spoiled beyond measure, and loved beyond words. Of special note was her dog, “Killer”, who she loved for more than 14 years. What an awesome reunion they will have!

Dee worked for Marriott International for many years, rising through the ranks to Housekeeping Manager. She developed a great rapport with her subordinates, in a tough working environment. She worked at the Overland Park Marriott before transferring to Tan-Tar-A Resort, where she met the love of her life, Bruce. They made their home at the Lake for the rest of her life.

Private services will be held at a later date.

Knowing her love for animals, the family suggests memorial donations to Dogwood Animal Shelter, or the charity of your choice.