ALLIE KENNEDY

She was born on September 6, 1938, in Albany, Kentucky, the third of four children born to the late Travis Riddle and Lily Mae (Butler) Riddle.

Christine’s life was one of strength, resilience, and deep devotion to her family. She endured hardship from a young age, losing her mother at just six years old and helping her father on the family farm. With only a fourth-grade education, she built a life defined not by circumstance, but by determination and heart.

In the mid-1960s, Christine made her home in Weirton, where she worked diligently in custodial roles throughout her life, including at Cove United Presbyterian Church. She took great pride in her work and was known for her strong work ethic and reliability.

Above all, Christine was a devoted mother who raised her children on her own, instilling in them the same strength and independence she carried throughout her life.

She had a warm, welcoming spirit, a deep faith, and a love for life’s simple joys. She enjoyed singing, dancing, and gardening, especially tending to her flowers. A cherished tradition she shared with her daughter Diana was planting the same flowers at each other’s homes each Mother’s Day. The two affectionately called one another “Pal,” a reflection of their close bond. She also had a great bond with her dogs, Nicole, Bruce, Jack, and Lilly Mae.

She had a fondness for angel figurines, a collection that symbolized her gentle spirit, and she found companionship in her beloved pets over the years. Family stories recall her roots in “Groundhog Holler” and her resemblance to Loretta Lynn in her younger days.

Most of all, she will be remembered for raising her kids right. More importantly, she taught them how to respect others.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Travis Kennedy, who passed on September 30, 2016; her sisters, Mary Crump and Minnie Vincent; and her brother, Willie Riddle.

She is survived by her children: Creston Kennedy; Diana (Mark) Barnhart and Lisa Fluharty; 7 grandchildren, Jessica Barnhart, Heather Polson, Jacob, and Aaron Fluharty, Stephanie (David) Cook, Nathan, and Noah Boring. She was also blessed with nine great-grand children: Grace, Lucas, Paisley, Elliott, Leo, Hayden, Eli, Harper, and Keira.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 5-7 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, where services will be held at 7 PM.

Rev. Kevin Rhodes will officiate.

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