East Lynn - Kendra Smiley lived life intentionally with great enthusiasm. She was the life of the party, a friend to strangers, and wise counsel in the classroom, over the air, and on the printed page.

Her passion for Jesus was shared with others through her unique gift as a kind and entertaining teacher. Whether a Vacation Bible School skit for kids, a marriage seminar for couples, or remarks before the Illinois General Assembly, Kendra captured her audience's attention, earned their respect and was grateful for the privilege of speaking into people's lives.

Kendra died Monday, September 22, 2025. She was 73. Kendra is now at home with Jesus, her Savior, her soul made perfect, her body at rest, awaiting the day when He will make all things new.

Kendra, the daughter of Dr. Noel and Ruth Workman, was the youngest of three children. She was preceded in death by her brother, Noel, and is survived by her sister, Patricia (Patsy) McCammack. Kendra graduated from Paxton High School in 1970.

She interrupted her college career at the University of Illinois to marry John Smiley in 1972. They immediately started their lives together in Big Spring, Texas where John was stationed for USAF pilot training. Kendra resumed her studies, and in 1974 received her degree in Physical Education with highest honors. Her name was added to the University of Illinois Bronze Tablet for distinguished graduates. Kendra finished her formal education at the University of North Dakota, receiving a master's degree, before making one last move back to East Lynn with John after he completed his active-duty service at Grand Forks Air Force Base.

Teaching came naturally to Kendra. So did coaching. She taught at nearby Potomac and Bismarck elementary schools and served as the head coach for the Bismarck High School varsity girls basketball team.

"Make the next right choice" was one of Kendra's favorite self-motivating phrases. And so she did. Kendra left the classroom to raise a family with John. Three sons, Matthew (Marissa), Buffalo, NY; Aaron (Kristin), Indianapolis, IN; Jonathan (Ashley), Waverly, IA, called Kendra mom. By loving encouragement and through example, among many other lessons, she taught them their skills as talented and effective communicators. Kendra and John have 11 grandchildren.

Even as she poured into her family, Kendra's calling expanded. Through her work with the company Successful Living, Kendra built friendships with people across the country. She blossomed as a highly sought after speaker, broadcaster, and published author of 17 books. The focus of her writing varied but consistently was built on the foundation of Jesus' love for us, making wise choices and developing and protecting relationships that mattered. Her travels took her coast to coast and across oceans. Her enthusiastic and charismatic style on stage or behind a microphone, along with eternal truths was a winning combination.

She along with John co-authored a monthly article, Home Front, in Prairie Farmer magazine. She hosted a daily radio show, "Live Life Intentionally," broadcast on 350 radio stations across the country. As her radio career came to an end in 2021, she had written and broadcast more than 5000 programs, spanning 20 years.

Kendra was an accomplished leader. She served on the executive board of the Illinois Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She held numerous jobs at the East Lynn Methodist Church including lay leader, senior high youth leader, choir director, VBS coordinator, and program director of the East Lynn women's retreat.

Kendra was chosen as Illinois Mother of the Year in 2001 and honored as a Woman of Achievement by her sorority, Tri Delta. In 2019 she was inducted into the Paxton High School Hall of Fame.

Kendra's life was a beautiful reflection of her own words in Empowered by Choice: "We can be like our heavenly Father and choose to give away encouragement."

Visitation will be held 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. Friday, October 3, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, October 4, 2025, at East Lynn Community Fellowship, 41428 Main St., East Lynn, IL. Burial will follow in East Lynn Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Kendra to East Lynn Community Fellowship, P.O. Box 146, East Lynn, IL 60932.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Kendra's eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.