Cecelia Ruth Kendrick
Cecelia Ruth Kendrick, 75, of Shelbina, passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 6, in Hannibal.
Cele was the first daughter born to Joseph Lambert and Agnesdee (Reid) Kendrick on
Dec.13, 1945 in Shelby County.
She attended Shelbina Elementary School in Shelbina, for seven years before attending three years at Holy Rosary Catholic School in Monroe City. She graduated high school at the convent of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. She pursued a degree in Medical Technology from the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio.
Cele served as a medical technician in Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri while still continuing her service for the Lord as a nun. Although she left the convent after 14 years for personal reasons, she continued to utilize her degree, finally retiring from St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis County.
Cele was an active member of St. Mary Parish in Shelbina, and would often attend and
support Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Monroe City. She was a long-time supporter of the
Adoration Chapel at both parishes, taking several hours to spend time with the Lord.
Cele loved to travel and to experience God in every way. Those who knew Cele knew how
reverent and pious of a person she was. She made several trips to Europe and visited many
Marian shrines and other religious sites.
Cele loved the Lord and loved to help others
experience God. She was known to provide religious books and financial assistance to those
wanting to attend different religious retreats or trips to various religious sites overseas. She saw
it as her mission to help as many people as possible gain a closer relationship with God.
Cele is survived by two sisters, Sonya Jo Kendrick of St. Louis, Madeline (Dwayne) Williams
of Indian Creek; two brothers, Norbert (Pauline) Kendrick of Shelbina, Anthony (Kathy)
Kendrick of Centralia and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Roland Jerome (Jerry) and Phillip Lawrence (Larry) Kendrick.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, funeral services are suspended at this time.
A memorial mass will be celebrated on the anniversary of her birthday, Dec. 13, 2021.
Memorials may be made to:
Ray of Hope, Shelbina
Holy Rosary Catholic School, Monroe City
Marian Center in Joy Valley, Petoskey, MI
Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas
St Joseph Indian School, Chamberlain, S. D.
