Margaret Kendall

Margaret Ann “Maggie” Kendall, 88, of Elwood, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026. Maggie was born October 23, 1937, in Arcadia, Indiana, to Roy and Margaret (Heisser) Bardonner. She graduated from Jackson Central High School in 1955, as a valedictorian. On December 23, 1956, Maggie married the love of her life, Elmer C. Kendall. They shared 46 years of marriage together until his passing on December 10, 2002.

Maggie was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Elwood, where her faith and service to others were an important part of her life. Over the years, she served as a church council member, Sunday school and Bible school teacher, visited shut-ins, and helped with the End of Month Meal and funeral dinners. She was always willing to lend a hand and quietly cared for those around her.

Maggie retired from Elwood Federal Savings and Loan. After retirement, she continued working part-time at Security Bank and as a teacher’s aide for Elwood Schools. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society.

Maggie found joy in the simple things in life. She loved gardening and working in her yard, shopping, working on crossword puzzles, and, perhaps most of all, sitting down for a good cup of coffee with friends. She had a way of making people feel welcome and loved. Above everything else, Maggie loved her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy and her proudest accomplishment. She cherished every opportunity to spend time with them and created countless memories that her family will carry with them forever.

Maggie is survived by her daughters, Jill (Fred) Stage of Greentown and Julie (Greg) Conwell of Alexandria; her son, Rick (Sherry) Kendall of Elwood; and son-in-law, Jeffrey Courtney of Elwood. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kasey (Jeff) Vincent, Kevin (Laura) Stage, Chad Conwell, Shane Conwell, Tyson Conwell, Heidi (Noel) Salazar, Dylan Conwell, Jackie Lane, Quincy (Tyler) Caldwell, Krista (Brent) Scott, and Katie (Zach) Abbott; and her great-grandchildren, Averi, Reece, Kendall, Prezli, Izzach, Regan, Audrey, Hannah, Ella, Adrienne, Aerilyn, Grayson, Noah, Falyn, Gracie, Marleigh, Maverick, Isaac, Hazel, and Cooke. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, JoEdna Bardonner, along with many nieces, nephews, and good friend/caregiver Amy Clark.

Maggie was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer; her daughter, Jodi Courtney; her granddaughter, Holly Hare; her parents, Roy and Margaret Bardonner; her parents-in-law, Bill and Flora Kendall; her brothers, Bob and Chuck Bardonner; her sister, Phyllis Stover; and her beloved furry friend, Sammy.
Maggie leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, love, and family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her memory will live through the many lives she touched and, most especially, through the generations of her family who were so very precious to her. The family would also like a special thank you to Compassus Hospice.

Maggie's visitation will be on Tuesday, Oct. 6,2026, from 10 am to 1 pm at St. John Lutheran Church 10099 IN 37, Elwood, IN. Funeral service will begin at 1 pm with Rev. Kal Rissman officiating. Burial will follow at the Elwood Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted by Dunnichay Funeral Home of Elwood.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or Elwood Animal Hospital.