Kendra Ann Elkins, 62 of Bellevue, IA, passed away at Finley Hospital In Dubuque, IA, after a brief battle with breast cancer. Her funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, June, 12th at First Baptist Church in Clinton, IA with Pastor Jerry Danzinger. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 11th, from 2:00-5:00 PM at Pape Funeral Home in Clinton, IA. Burial will be at the Miles City Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com
Kendra was born May 2, 1961, in Maquoketa, IA, to Almon “Rocky” and Jean Ellen (Eggers) Rockwell. Kendra is survived by; her son, Ryan (Nikki Genzel) Elkins of Clinton, IA; her daughter, Whitney (Will) Heister of Sabula, IA; two grandchildren, Abigail {who is attending Charis Bible College in Colorado} and Noah {PFC for the United States Marine Corps} Noah’s girlfriend who was special to Kendra, Ava Edwards, {A current nursing student persuing her RN} Kendra, of course, would want you all to know those details about her grandkids and Ava; her sister, Colleen (Michael) Ferrance of Iowa City, IA and two brothers, Kevin Rockwell of Decorah, IA and Curt (Tina) Rockwell of Delta, CO; nieces and nephews, Michael, Chad, and Chris Ihrig, Nicole Mooney, Justin, Ian, Isayah, Ezra Rockwell, Trevor, and Erik Rockwell, Shannon Wedeking, Wendy Kilburg, and Deanna Michels “the Cram girls” and Kari Dembowski; Special friends Nancy, Karen, Janer, Linda, Kourtney, Audrey, Pat, Josh, Bucket, Chris, Heather, and Joe. There are many more special friends, too many to list here. You know who you are.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, sister-in-law Sandra, and a nephew Morgan Cram. Casket-bearers are Abigail and Noah Heister, Justin and Ian Rockwell, Chris Schroeder, and Josh Brunson. Honorary casket-bearers are Michael, Chad, and Chris Ihrig, Nicole Mooney, Isayah, and Ezra Rockwell.
An outstanding mother, grandma, sister, aunt, mentor, confidant, and friend barely begin to scratch the surface of who Kendra was as a person. She was someone you could depend on to tell you the truth (even if you didn’t like hearing it) and was always there for anyone that needed anything, day or night. She was a determined woman that could do whatever she put her mind to and she did. She was fiercely independent and always wanted to help others, but would rarely ask for anything. She was so selfless and enjoyed buying things for everyone around her, but not often, if ever, for herself. She had a servant’s heart and loved people extravagantly. She made sure you knew just how awesome you were and was a cheerleader for everyone. She was a light to this world and could talk to and encourage anyone with her great perspective. She would help put things into perspective that could turn a mountain into an ant hill. She was glad to come alongside anyone to help with any situation they were walking through. Side by side, hand in hand she was with you and you were not going to go through it alone. She had a radiant smile, contagious laugh and the most soul soothing hugs. She had a magnetic personality that people were drawn to. She was a woman of integrity and was so kind. You always knew just how loved and cherished you were by her. She was hilarious and knew how to have fun. Her sarcasm, quick wit, nicknames for things, goofy quips, and random memes she found to share cracked us up constantly. She was a medical transcriptionist for a lot of years. Most recently she worked at Walsh Chiropractic and Bormanns in Bellevue, Dr. Walsh, Joel and Pam Bormann were so good to Kendra. She knew and loved Jesus and it showed by just how much she loved others. This is not the end. She has freedom and victory in Jesus. Goodbye for now. Until we see you again.
Memorials in Kendra’s name may be mailed to the Pape Funeral Home.
This song has been helping the family through this difficult time.
Whitney and family my heart breaks for you all – I remember meeting her at the pregnancy center and you’re right – she had a smile that lit up a room! She was so right about our sweet Ava ♥️ just remember that this is not it! Much love and prayers to you all!
I will miss you so much, Kendra. You have been such a great friend through all of the years.
We will miss Kendra’s upbeat attitude and her frienliness. Our condolences to Whitney and Ryan
Sorry for your loss she will be missed
I’m very sorry for your loss Whitney and Ryan. Your momma was an absolutely amazing person and always was fun to talk to she always wanted the best for everyone.
She was a part of our family life. Always laughing caring and most of all you know she loves you. Our son son John thought the world of her and he always will remember her and so will mike and l. our prayers and love go out to you and your family. She will be with you wherever you go. You will never be alone. Love, you
Ryan & Whit & family, so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you guys & sending hugs!!
My heart goes out to you all. It’s been years since I was a part of the family. She was so kind to open her home to me and care for me like I was another daughter. Thinking of Whitney and her family. Ryan, I’m thinking of you and continue to want the best for you ❤️
Rest in peace in the Lords arms
Met Kendra when I worked in Radiology at Dubuque Internal Medicine. Kendra worked in Medical Records. She was a hoot. Always enjoyed talking with her. Prayers and God bless
Kendra was a good friend…encouraged me and listened to me…she will be missed…blessings…
So sorry to hear this. She was a great friend and always brought a smile to my face at work!
Fly high Kenya!!! Love you forever!! ❤️? Lybia!
OH Kendra- the laughs i had when i was around you, and trust me there was never a dull moment with you! I got to know you threw Nancy and enjoyed hearing some of the stories of you two..I shall miss seeing you and that little green machine you drove, Rest in peace lady- you left a good mark on the world and for all of us to remember you.. Fly high-on a sunny day i shall look to sky and know you are having a grand time…So glad to call you my friend.
Kendra was the sweetest woman who ALWAYS had a smile & a quick wit comment. She was always kind & said hello. I will miss her. Fly high, Kendra?
I was saddened to hear of Kendra’s passing. She lived across the street when I was a teenager. Even though our paths did not cross often as I got older, when they did, we would always reminisce about “my little punky” aka Ryan. I know she will be smiling from the heaven above…rest in peace Kendra.
Blessed to have known this special lady who became our friend during our summer weekends in Bellevue. Our first trip of the year was full of hugs and “lets catch up” conversations. We’ll miss you Kendra!
Jeff, Marybeth, Brian and Liam Antone; Dorene and Ross Shemanski
So sorry to hear of Kendra’s passing. Kendra was a special lady always a friendly smile.
Rest in peace Kendra
so very sorry to hear. she was a very special person and seemed to know you whenever she say you. she will be greatly missed?
Totally fitting tribute. I miss her already. She was a very good friend.
So sorry to hear this. I always enjoyed talking with your mom. She was such a neat lady and will be so missed. Hugs and Prayers to you all. Love you ❤️❤️
This is indeed goodbye for now. We love you and miss you so much.
So sorry for your loss. I am a friend of Kari D. I had never heard the song before. I found it very moving for we are having a thunder stome right now. that makes the song even more powerful. Bless all, prayers for all???
I am so sorry to hear this, we always chatted when I saw her at the gas station, such a sweet, kind person. Our condolences to you and yours.
love and miss you Kenders so so much!