Myra Ruth “Ruthie” Kennedy of McKinney, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with friends and family by her side. She was 82 years old.
Ruthie was born in McKinney, Texas, on September 10, 1943, to Pierce and Connie (Odle) McNiel. She graduated from McKinney High School. She married Troy Edgar Kennedy on February 8, 1963. Their partnership was filled with love and joyful memories until his passing in 1997.
Ruthie worked at Chase Bank for over 50 years. She was a dedicated member of Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen, Texas. Ruthie was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, cherished sister, and faithful friend. She will always be remembered for her warm personality, generous spirit, and kind character.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Pierce and Connie McNiel; her husband, Troy Kennedy; her brother, Billy N. McNiel; and her sisters, Pat Davis, Sue McNiel, Sherry Ferrill, Linda Dugger, and Judy McNiel. She is survived by her son, Kevin, and her daughter-in-law, Belinda; her two granddaughters, Caroline and Claire Kennedy; and her many nieces and nephews.
We are deeply grateful to family, friends, and the Cottonwood Creek Church leadership who provided comfort, love, and prayers during this difficult time. The family would like to thank Lynda Thomas, Steve Dugger, Lynda Moore, Kim Rodenbaugh, Lorree LaRocca, Gerald and Deborah Williams, and Judy Phillips for their unwavering friendship and support. Special thanks to Baybrooke Village, Heart to Heart Hospice, Tashanda Carter, and Deena Watters for their compassionate care.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. Burial will be at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen directly following the service. The funeral service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Ruthie’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/myra-ruth-ruthie-kennedy. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Saturday afternoon from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cottonwood Creek Church in her memory.