Donna Sue Kendall's Obituary
Donna Sue (Randol) Kendall
Donna Sue Kendall, 82, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025, with her husband and daughter by her side, at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Illinois.
Donna was born on July 6, 1943, to Homer O. and Geraldine G. (Ruthrauff) Randol. She graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 1961. She married John W. Kendall, Jr., not once but twice, most recently on August 27, 2003. The majority of her adult life, Donna worked in retail, most notably as everyone’s favorite checker at the South Shores Eagle grocery store. After Eagle closed, she worked in the coffee shop at Decatur Memorial Hospital, and later as a PAL in the cardiovascular ICU.
Through the years, Donna suffered numerous health struggles, which she faced head-on with strength, determination, and positivity. She is the strongest lady we’ve ever known. She was lovingly known as “a tough old bird!”
Donna loved life. She lived it to its fullest. Her greatest hobby was playing the gambling machines. She enjoyed traveling, word search puzzles, Necco candy, and just being with people. If she didn’t know you when she walked in the room, she knew everything about you when she left. She supported many charitable organizations, including the Decatur County Community Foundation, and the Livestrong at the YMCA program. She had a vast amount of friends whom she loved and cherished. There was no greater love than the love she had for her family. Family was everything to her. Donna knew and loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through all of her struggles she stressed just how blessed she was. All glory was given to God. He is the great healer.
Donna is survived by her loving family, husband, John, daughter Janet (Marty) Maxey, grandchildren, Jason (Melissa) Frisby, Nicole (Brandon) Hubbs, and Noelle Maxey (Cody Hutchison), great-grandchildren, Nate and Rosie Hubbs, brother-in-law, Jerry Weaver, numerous other family members, and many, many friends. She also leaves her beloved cat, Bubba Kitty. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, James Randol and Joseph Randol, sisters, Dorothy Weaver, Sandra Hurtley, and Mary Ellen Randol, and her precious son, John Darren Kendall.
Visitation will be from 10:00-11:30 a.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, in Decatur, Illinois. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Macon County Animal Shelter, Humane Society of Decatur, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Donna was a vibrant, feisty, kind-hearted, and generous woman. She was very deeply loved and will be greatly missed by so many. We love you, Mom…all the much in the world, forever. God Bless You. Goodnight.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Homes https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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