Leslie Lyn (Phinney) Kennedy entered into the presence of the Lord at 11:40 am on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at her home with her husband and daughter by her side.

Leslie was born in Muncie, Indiana on February 13, 1954, the first child of the late Larry & Susannah (Mullen) Phinney.  She married the love of her life, Rick Allen Kennedy on July 26, 1975 in Paris and he survives.

She is also survived by her daughters, Avoree (Jason) Gore of Paris, IL and Reigan Kennedy of Canton, MO; her grandchildren Colten (Taryn) Gore of Paris, IL, Conner Gore of Paris, IL, Lizzie Kennedy (Bug) Winn of Charleston, IL, Emma Kennedy of Canton, MO, Carter Gore and Cross Gore both of Paris, IL; Siblings Melanie (Carl) Ogle of Paris, IL, Scot Phinney of Flossmoor, IL, Tod (Barbara) Phinney of Albuquerque, NM, Leigh Ann (Russell) Smith of Danville, IL, Gene (Lori) Phinney of Worden, IL; sister in law Sheila (Doug) Elyea of Belmont, MI, brother in law Robert (Sandy) Kennedy of Cleveland, TN, brother in law Warren (Kathy) Kennedy of Paris, IL, and sister in law Margo (Brad) Yeargin of Paris. Leslie also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her mother-in-law and father- in-law and a brother Max Russel Phinney.

Leslie was a 1972 graduate of Paris High School.  She attended both Millikin University and Lakeview College of Nursing and graduated from Lakeview College of Nursing at the top of her class in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSRN) degree.

She began her career as a Candy Striper at the Paris Community Hospital during high school. She began her nursing career at Paris Hospital working in the Intensive Care and Surgical Units.  The majority of her career was spent at Union Hospital in Terre Haute where she mostly worked in the Ambulatory Care Unit.  She also spent some time in a more administrative role as an Infection Control Specialist at Regional Hospital and then returned to patient care as a traveling nurse.  Her final nursing roles were in local nursing homes.

Leslie loved traveling, reading, playing cards and board games, dancing, swimming, biking, and spending time with family.  She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and her family was her greatest source of happiness and comfort.  She treasured each moment spent with family, whether they were gathered for a holiday celebration or simply enjoying a quiet evening together.  She will be deeply missed.

Leslie was a member of First Christian Church of Paris and she was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.

In accordance with her wishes, Leslie has donated her body to science.  Visitation will be from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 22, 2025 in the Sanctuary at the First Baptist Church of Paris located at 201 South Central Street. The family is holding a private Celebration of Life luncheon at 2:00 pm in Reed Hall.

2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

Memorial contributions in memory of Leslie may be made to Paul Warner Animal Rescue.

For online condolences please visit www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com .