Kennita Joan Dunbar Mcgeath

Kennita Joan Dunbar McGeath, 81, of Indianapolis, passed away on August 13, 2016.

Kenny was born in Vincennes, Indiana, on June 15, 1935 to Kenneth Albert Dunbar and Evelyn Royer Dunbar, both of whom preceded her in death. As a girl, she loved spending summers at her grandparents’ farm in Lafayette. She particularly enjoyed horses, sharing stories with her family over the years about her favorite horses Prince and Blaze. Kenny graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1953 and from Hanover College in 1957. Kenny also earned a Master’s Degree from Butler University.
In 1954, she met the love of her life, Bruce McGeath, while both were attending Hanover College. They were married in Indianapolis on August 27, 1955, and enjoyed over 60 happy years of marriage. Bruce and Kenny are the proud parents of three boys: Mike McGeath of Indianapolis, Kerry McGeath of North Richland Hills, Texas, and Tim (Karyl) McGeath of Carmel. They also have six loving grandchildren who will miss their Grandma dearly: Colleen, Alex, Patrick, Mitchell, Joshua and Benjamin McGeath. In addition to her husband, her sons and grandchildren, Kenny is also survived by her sister Jeanne Willems, brothers-in-law Philip McGeath and Ed Willems, as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Kenny began a 25-year teaching career in Lawrence Township in 1969. All of her teaching years were spent at different elementary schools within the township, including several years each at Harrison Hill, Brook Park, Skiles Test and Amy Beverland. The last several years, Kenny focused on the gifted and talented program, a program she helped start in Lawrence Township. Kenny was devoted to her students and was instrumental to their success, as many former students have reminded her over the years. Her family clearly remembers the hours she spent grading papers and preparing new challenges for her students.
Kenny was well recognized for her efforts in the classroom and dedication to her students. She was recognized as a presidential scholar, a Distinguished Teacher in 1991, and was a finalist for Indiana Teacher of the Year in 1976. After her retirement from teaching in 1994, Bruce and Kenny enjoyed many happy winters in Nettles Island, Florida, welcoming frequent visits from friends and family.
Kenny had a number of hobbies, including gardening, painting and reading. She was a member of several book clubs and numerous of her paintings are proudly displayed in many households. Kenny and Bruce were longtime members of Tabernacle Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. Kenny’s cheerful demeanor and positive outlook on life were always present, and her memory and spirit will be cherished by those who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 18, 2016, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Flanner and Buchanan-Broad Ripple. Services will be Friday, August 19, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Flanner and Buchanan-Broad Ripple. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence Township School Foundation.