Althea "Thea" Fifield Kendall Obituary (1929 - 2025)

Althea “Thea” Louise (Fifield) Kendall, a loving aunt, sister, and friend known for her infectious laugh and warm spirit, passed away peacefully at her adult family home in Chehalis, Washington on September 5, 2025, at the age of 96. Her passing is deeply felt, yet her legacy continues to shine brightly, illuminating the lives of her family, friends, and the entire community. Althea was born on June 26, 1929, in Hawthorne, Los Angeles County, California, to Rex and Lydia Fifield. She was the fourth of seven children and the first of two girls, born and raised during the Great Depression. Althea's family moved to Grants Pass, Oregon when she was young. With money tight, her father worked as a gardener and her mother did housekeeping. During World War II, they relocated to Vancouver, Washington, where both parents worked in the shipyard. After the war, they returned to Grants Pass, and Althea graduated from high school in 1947. She met George Kendall through mutual friends, and they eloped to Reno, Nevada October 1, 1947 then moved to Pullman, Washington, where they lived for the rest of their married life. Althea and George retired from their campus jobs at Washington State University, where Althea worked in the bookstore. Althea continued to reside in her family home after George passed away in 2004. She moved to Chehalis, Washington in 2023 to be closer to more family and to be near the ocean. Althea and George were devoted to their faith in God and were active in their church. Althea was raised in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now Community of Christ) faith by her mother. She was baptized in the RLDS church in 1950, enrolled in the Independence, Missouri branch in 1954, and was ordained as a Priest in 1999. Althea devoted her life to serving God and her community, inspiring those around her with her unwavering faith and kindness. She served as a Hospital Chaplain at the Pullman Hospital. To her nieces and nephews, she was more than an aunt—she was a confidant, a guiding light, and the keeper of countless traditions. She made each child feel uniquely cherished. Her home was a haven, filled with fun puzzles and games, family gatherings, and hours of family history stories. Althea was a good listener, showed genuine interest in others, and always sought to expand her horizons and encourage others to do the same. When leaving after a visit or telephone conversation with Althea, she would say "You take care!" Aunt Thea was known for her loving nature and her passion for genealogy, church history research, recipe scrapbooking, excellent cooking, crafting, taking photographs, and going on road trips with her husband George. In her spare time, she was an avid collector of Campbell Soup memorabilia and enjoyed going to yard sales with her younger sister Carolyn. She was also a skilled seamstress and knitted beautiful pieces for her loved ones. Althea taught life's greatest lessons by example. Her patience was legendary, her advice gentle and wise. She encouraged creativity and curiosity, celebrating every milestone, no matter how small. Her nieces and nephews fondly recall the time spent with her. Her quiet but steadfast faith guided her actions and sustained her through life's trials. She embraced each day with gratitude, providing comfort and stability to those around her. Althea was preceded in death by her devoted husband, George O. Kendall II, and her loving parents Rex and Lydia (Ross) Fifield. She was also preceded by her brothers Rex II, Merle, Gerald and Leslie Fifield and sister Carolyn (Fifield) Blankenchip. Her spirit lives on in those she leaves behind including her brother Marshall Fifield. Although Althea had no biological children of her own, she loved and was loved by her numerous nieces and nephews and an extended network of devoted friends. Her life will be honored in a private memorial service, where stories and memories will be shared in celebration of the enduring impact she made on all who crossed her path. We invite you to leave your memories and upload photos of Althea to her memorial page, to celebrate and honor a life well-lived. You take care Aunt Thea.