Antha Kennedy

Antha Bonita Kennedy, age 79, of Park Hills, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on January 14, 2026.

Born September 11, 1946, in St. Louis, to Darcy and Blanche (Martin) Williams, Antha was affectionately teased as the “city slicker” among her siblings. After spending her early years in St. Louis, the family moved to Bismarck, where Antha grew up and graduated from Caledonia High School.

Antha wore many hats throughout her life, but for 24 years she proudly served as a school bus driver for the Central School District. To her, this was never just a job, it was a calling. She cared deeply for every child who rode her bus, often referring to them as “her babies.” Her humor and warmth were legendary, and she never hesitated to share a laugh or a loving word, even when calling the ornery ones, her “little shits”—always with affection.

She married the love of her life, William “Bill” Kennedy, and together they built a family rooted in love and resilience. Antha is survived by her husband Bill; daughters, Melinda Gutierrez and husband Guy of Nashville, TN, and Jamie Martinez of Farmington, MO; grandchildren Ashley Nettles (Zakary Dodd), Allicia Hovis, Dylan Halbrook, Chris Benoist Jr., Emma Telles, and Sophia Telles; great-grandchildren Hannah Allen, Jaycee Allen, and Bristol DeGonia; and great-great-grandson Rhyker Gross. She also leaves behind cherished family friends, Tina Hays and Jerry Martinez; devoted Gentiva nurses, Kasey Henson and Katie Forrester.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Darcy and Blanche Williams; siblings Sandy Stokes (Don), Brenda Light, Marty Williams, Marcy Pratt, and Carol Beth Williams; children Samantha Sutton and Sam Halbrook; and grandson Timothy Hovis.

Antha will be remembered for her fierce love and protective nature. She adored her family and never shied away from holding them accountable. Her favorite moments were spent on the porch, watching hummingbirds, or “Honeybirds” as she called them, after Bill had perfectly mowed the yard, or gathered around the kitchen table laughing, playing games, and sharing stories with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved peach tea, the occasional Dr. Pepper, and had a wit that could light up any room. Her generosity knew no bounds—she gave endlessly and selflessly to those she loved.

Her legacy is one of strength, humor, and unwavering devotion. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of all who knew her.

Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge, Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The visitation will resume, Monday, January 19, 2026, from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Donny Martin will be officiating, assisted by Kim Robertson and Chaplain Bill Cox. Interment will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Bismarck. Memorials may be directed to the Central School District Backpack Program 200 High St. Park Hills, MO 63601