Memorial Monday for Alumna Kenon Neal
A memorial service will be held for Kenon (Ramsey) Neal ’88 on Monday, July 28, at 2 p.m. at Santa Barbara Community Church, 1002 Cieneguitas Rd. Neal, who died July 16 after battling cancer for 27 years, made numerous contributions to Westmont over the years.
“She had a warm and gracious spirit and lived her life to the fullest,” says President Gayle D. Beebe. “Her unwavering faithfulness and confidence in God’s goodness and grace have blessed so many of us.”
Kenon graduated from Westmont in 1988 with a degree in English and returned to campus in the 1990s when her husband, Matt, worked as a resident director in Armington Hall. A few years later, she served as the resident director in Page Hall. In 2009, she joined the staff in the alumni office before becoming director of foundation and corporate relations in 2010.
“In all these positions, she worked with passion, enthusiasm and grace,” Beebe says. “Although she walked in the valley of the shadow of death, she always trusted God. We know she now rejoices in his presence.”
In the midst of illness, Kenon remained joyful and upbeat and never wavered in her faith. She constantly reached out to others with cancer, including the youngest patients. She founded the Kids Cancer Network and published a newsletter for children—even while undergoing a bone marrow transplant. She has shared her inspiring story with numerous audiences, including chapel at Westmont. Her irrepressible spirit and commitment to God touched countless people throughout the years. As a parent, a mentor, a friend and a fellow cancer patient, she made an unforgettable impact on the lives of others.
Kenon is survived by her husband, Matthew; sons Tanner and Luke; daughter Aliza Grace; father and mother, Kenneth and Lois Ramsey; sister (and bone marrow donor) Dana Oliver and her husband, Dennis; nephew Denny Oliver; and nieces Emily and Wendy Oliver. She is also survived by her beloved uncle, Dr. Todd Burt and wife Char; Aunt Beth McGovney; her beloved cousins, Dr. Todd and wife Jenn Abbott; Dr. Lindsay Burt, Dr. Ashley Burt and nurse Erin Burt.
Kenon’s physical condition never allowed for a life insurance program for the family. She asked that donations be made to help her children complete a formal education. An account has been set up for their behalf at The Bank of Santa Barbara. Gifts must be payable to Matthew W. Neal - FBO Tanner, Luke, Aliza. Mail to The Bank of Santa Barbara, Attn: Erin Mathenia, 5880 Calle Real, Goleta, Calif. 93117.