Jenelle Davis Carkhuff
TOPEKA - Jenelle Davis Carkhuff passed away on March 19, 2024, at Homestead of Topeka in Topeka, Kansas. Born to Helen Frances Boltz Davis and Donald Drew Davis on July 11, 1951, in Sedalia, Missouri, Jenelle’s life was one of joy, generosity, love, service and faith.
Jenelle grew up moving between Topeka and various cities in Missouri along with her brother Kenny (Judy) Davis and her late sister Carol (Gary) Parrett. Although her childhood was not the easiest, she persevered, graduating from Topeka West High School in 1969 and marrying her former husband, Sam Carkhuff, on her birthday in July of 1971 at Grace Cathedral. She later went on to pursue a degree in elementary education at Washburn University, graduating in the spring of 1994.
Jenelle loved children and was thrilled to welcome Kimberly (Chad) Willems in October of 1973 and Samuel (Megan) Carkhuff, Jr. in August of 1976. Both Kim and Sam will remember their mom as a deeply caring soul, always ready with advice or comfort and always letting her fun-loving spirit shine through. Her five grandchildren, Madeleine, Caroline, Chad Jr., Lyle and Boyce were the lights of her life, and they will carry on her legacy of kindness and joy.
Her passion for children extended into her professional life as well. She served as the Director of Children’s Ministries at Grace Cathedral, taught third grade for seven years at Rochester Elementary School and even started her own business. Her life outside of work was rich with many activities and time spent with family and friends. She was an avid golfer, an expert seamstress, an enthusiastic church and community volunteer, a skilled card player and an accomplished entertainer and cook. Nothing made her happier than to be cooking in the kitchen with a house full of those she loved.
Predeceased by her parents and her sister Carol, her memory will be cherished, and her spirit kept alive by her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends, and a community that was better for her presence.
Services to honor and celebrate the life of Jenelle Davis Carkhuff will be held on April 27, 2024, at 10:00am at her beloved Grace Episcopal Cathedral, located at 701 SW 8th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held in All Saints Hall at Grace Cathedral. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Ministry at Grace Cathedral or an organization of your choosing. To share a memory of Jenelle or leave a special message for her family, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.