Sarah Jolene Stringer

Sarah "Jolene" Stringer, 85, of Altamont, passed away the evening of Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society in Parsons.

Sarah Jolene Kennedy was born the 11th of 16 children to Lawrence Edmond and Elizabeth Ellen (Fager) Kennedy on July 2, 1939, in rural St. Paul.  She was raised on a farm outside of St. Paul, with her many siblings.  As a young girl, she loved to follow the dry creek beds and catch rabbits that they would sell to earn some Christmas money.  One of her best memories was when the whole family would gather around the radio to listen to the St. Louis Cardinals baseball, of whom she remained a fan her whole life.  For elementary school, she went to the Odell country school, walking a mile across the fields.  From 8th to 12th grade, Jolene rode the bus into town to St. Paul High School, graduating in 1957.  If anyone asked her as a child what she wanted to be when she grew up, Jolene would reply, "a mom and a grandma."

A lifelong Catholic, Jolene was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul.  While living in Parsons for several years, she was a member of St. Mary's and St. Patrick's Catholic Churches.  For many years, she has been a member of Mother of God Catholic Church in Oswego.

In the Spring of 1956, Jolene met the love of her life, Lloyd Stringer.  The couple were united in marriage on February 15, 1958, in St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul.  After marriage, the couple lived in Parsons, before moving to Altamont in 1970, where they have lived for the last 55 years.  On Saturday, the couple would have been happily married for 67 years.

For over 25 years, Jolene worked as a cook at the Labette County High School cafeteria, a job she said was her favorite job ever.  Previously, Jolene had worked at the Golden Drumstick, Swift, and Fred Ronalds Manufacturing.

Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family.  She also enjoyed bowling, growing flowers and gardening, cooking for her family and listening to Elvis Presley music.

Survivors include:

Her husband – Lloyd Stringer, of the home

One son – Jeff Stringer (Vicki Souter) of Parsons, Kansas

Three daughters – Vicki Stice (Joe) of Altamont, Kansas

Vonda Carter (Gary) of Parsons, Kansas

Joni Stringer (Greg Fincher) of Altamont, Kansas

Nine grandchildren

11 great-grandchildren

One great-great-grandchild on the way

Four brothers – Edward Kennedy of Wichita, Kansas

Kenny Kennedy of Los Angeles, California

Jack Kennedy of Bella Vista, Arkansas

Frank Kennedy of Bella Vista, Arkansas

Four sisters – Dorothy Cartwright of Humbold, Kansas

Mary Kay Schooler of Seneca, Missouri

Carolyn Robinson of Tucson, Arizona

Sharon Woolf of Cape Coral, Florida

She was preceded in death by her parents; one grandson, Byron Carter; four brothers, Bill Kennedy, Larry Kennedy, Richard Kennedy and infant Paul Joseph Kennedy; and three sisters, Helen Ann Rush, Ada Marie Heenan, and Cora Lou Kennedy.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 14, 2025, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.  The family will receive friends at 9:30 a.m., Friday, at the funeral home.  The rosary will be prayed at 10:40 a.m.  Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Parsons.

Memorials are suggested to The USD 506 Foundation.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS  67357.