Luray "Punkie" Thoms Kendall died Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Friendship Manor just days before her 92nd birthday.

Punkie was born June 24, 1932, in Moline, Illinois to Ray and Marea Thoms.  She graduated from Rock Island High School in 1950 and Iowa University in 1954.  After graduation, Punkie worked at Lohse Automotive.  She also spent time as secretary to then State Senator Donald Carpenter.  This began a lifelong interest in politics; local, regional and national.  On April 20, 1969, she married Phillip Kendall.  They resided in Rock Island.

Punkie enjoyed walking and the Chicago Cubs.  Spending winters in Sarasota, FL became a wonderful way for her to keep walking all year.  Her faith in God was most important.  She often shared prayer booklets with friends and family.  And singing the hymns brought Punkie joy.

Visitation will be from 4 pm to 6 pm, Thursday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island. Funeral services will be 10 am, Friday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Island. Burial will be in Chippiannock Cemetery, Rock Island. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Friendship Manor, and because Punkie was a breast cancer survivor, the BCRF.

Punkie is survived by her nephews and niece, Steven Thoms, Michael Thoms, Thomas Thoms, Mary Beth Tennant and Theodore Thoms.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip, her brother, Stuart Thoms and her parents.