Deceased: Maxine Scroggin Kennett
Date: July 3, 2007
One thing Maxine Scroggin Kennett could never accept was help.
The Elsmere resident, who died Sunday of natural causes at age 80, spent her life making sure everyone else was cared for, even when she was the one who needed help.
"She was very caring, she would give somebody the shirt off her back, and she was uncomfortable that somebody would try to do something for her," said her only daughter, Rene Curtis, of Farmington Hills, Mich.
Mrs. Kennett was born and grew up in Grant County. She earned her beautician's license and went on to open two beauty shops in Covington, Andre Duvall's Beauty Shop and Maxine's Beauty Shop.
Curtis said her mother was meticulous about appearances.
"I was always the kid at school with the curly perm," she said.
She said her mother worked as a beautician in the 1950s and '60s before signing on with the IRS in Covington as a tax examiner.
After Mrs. Kennett retired in 1973, she was able to focus on the two most important things in her life, her church, Highland Avenue Wesleyan in Covington, and her home.
"She was very active in her church," Curtis said. "She was a person who thought she had to take care of everybody."
She served the congregation as adult Sunday school director and teacher and as a member of the kitchen committee.
One of chores at the church was to plan events and outings for senior adults. She planned field trips to places such as the Toyota plant in Georgetown and the Golden Lamb in Lebanon, Ohio.
"She planned the activities because that was what she liked to do," Curtis said.
Her devotion to caring for others was strongest with the family. At one time, Mrs. Kennett was caring for her ailing husband, mother and sister.
It was only after 2000, when she became wheelchair-bound, that she had to cut back and go live in a nursing home.
"She was trying to take care of everybody else," Curtis said. "She's in a wheelchair, and she's trying to make sure everyone else is taken care of."
Mrs. Kennett loved to garden, raising flowers and vegetables. She also loved to keep her house in good order.
"She enjoyed keeping house, that was enjoyment for her," Curtis said.
She retained her independent streak until the end, Curtis said.
"She never asked for help," Curtis said, "Even when she needed it."
Other survivors include a sister, Carnelta Allman of Covington, and a granddaughter.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Highland Avenue Wesleyan Church. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Elliston-Stanley Funeral Home, Crittenden. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery, Fort Mitchell. Memorials are suggested to Highland Avenue Wesleyan Church, 729 Highland Ave., Covington, Ky. 41011.
Section: News
Page: A4
Copyright (c) 2007 The Kentucky Post
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