Helen L. Kendall

Helen L. Nalley Kendall, 81, went to be with Jesus on July 2, 2026.

Helen loved her family and everyone she met. She had a strong Catholic faith and stood on the promise that she was going to her eternal home to be with God.

Helen was preceded in death by her sisters, Sissy Spine and Martha Davis; brother, Tony Nalley, and brothers-in-law, Charlie Miller and Danny Davis.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Donald R. Kendall; daughters Debbie Gahan (Tom), Darlene Schoenlaub (Jason), and Melanie Helfrich (Brian).

Helen had seven grandchildren, whom she referred to as their “Magnificent Seven.” To them, she was “Grammy.” She created so many memories through their many adventures. These cherished grandchildren are Olivia Dose (Aaron), Emily Allen (Dawson), Andrew Gahan, Allison Schoenlaub (Brian), Abby Helfrich, Josh Helfrich, and Maggie Helfrich.

Helen was Great Grammy to Archer Thomas Dose.

As a homemaker and in-home childcare provider, Helen worked hard to help ensure their daughters received a Catholic education, which was very important to her. Helen had such an impact on the families and children she cared for. She considered them family, and they loved her like family.

Helen’s passion was volunteering for Catholic Charities Refugee Services for over 20 years. Through her volunteer work, Helen made friends from all over the world while she cared for the children of parents who were learning English. Along with her friend Peggy Liter, she organized holiday parties, provided basic needs items, and loved families who resettled in Kentucky. She became family to those who couldn’t be with their own.

Helen was from a family of eleven siblings. She loved her big family and is survived by Betty Nalley (Denise Pinsonnault), Paula Miller, Rick Nalley (Michele), Phil Nalley (Patti), Bruce Nalley (Teressa), Mark Nalley (Cheryl), and David Nalley (Judy).

Helen is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Ron Kendall (Verna), Mike Spine, and her very special longtime friends, John and Denise Ruffra. She had many nieces and nephews she loved and cherished.

Helen’s family will celebrate her life with:

Visitation: Louisville Memorial Gardens West (4400 Dixie Highway), Monday, July 6, 2026, from 11:00AM-7:00 PM, with the Rosary at 4:00 PM.

Funeral: St. Lawrence Catholic Church (1925 Lewiston Drive) at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Because Helen brought so much color and joy to our lives, the family will wear bright colors and pastels and invites everyone attending to do the same.

In lieu of flowers, Helen requested before her death that donations be made to BsideU for Life, 701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, KY 40203: Donate Now or Food for the Poor, 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073: Donate Now