Mrs. Christel Becher Kennamore, unwavering wife, loving mother, cherished “Oma,” and loyal friend to all, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026, at the age of 87.

Funeral services for Mrs. Kennamore will be 11:00 A. M. Thursday, April 9, 2026, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Chaplain Kevin Kelly officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Thursday from 10:00 A. M. until service time.

Chris was born on October 27, 1938, in Bremerhaven, Germany. She was the daughter of Christian Hans Becker and Gertrud Hildebrandt Becher and was the youngest of four siblings. Having three older brothers and a beloved family German shepherd, she was never short of protection, even as her family was forced to migrate across Germany by foot in the 1940s.

While living in Germany, Chris met the love of her life, John Ray Kennamore, a young United States Army serviceman. Their love story began across continents and endured a lifetime. They were married on April 1, 1958—a date that Ray jokingly called an April Fools’ Day prank, though she lovingly “kept hanging around” for the next 67 years. Together, they built a life rooted in family, resilience, and commitment, weathering military life, deployments, and the many seasons of life side by side.

As a devoted military wife, Chris faithfully supported her husband throughout his more than two decades of service to the country. During those years, she carried the tremendous responsibility of raising their two children, Sylvia Diana and John Ray Jr., affectionately known as “Speedy,” often while facing the challenges of military life—frequent moves, long separations, and the uncertainties that come with service. Despite these hardships, Chris’s kindness, strength, and loyalty shone through. She built deep and lasting friendships wherever she went, leaving a meaningful impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Some of her most treasured friendships have remained a constant source of joy in her life including Ms. Pat and Ms. Margaret.

To her family, she was simply “Oma”—a name that meant comfort, love, strength, and tradition. She created a home filled with selflessness and love, leaving behind a legacy that lives on in the generations she nurtured.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to those who cared for Chris in her battle with Alzheimer’s and in her final days. A special and heartfelt thank you to Nancy and Sandy, the dedicated team at VITAS, and to all caregivers whose compassion, gentleness, and unwavering presence brought comfort and peace during this time. Your care and devotion will never be forgotten.

Chris is survived by her children, John Kennamore, Jr. (Paula), and Sylvia Diana Scyphers (Sonny); her grandchildren, Steven Scyphers (Mallory), Justin Kennamore (Kerri), Brandy Kennamore, Sharon Mines, Brandon Kennamore (Anna), and Andrew Kennamore (Cherish); and her great-grandchildren, Natalie Pierce, Izabella Kennamore, Bradon Kennamore, Alexis Kennamore, Molly Kate Mines, Hadley Scyphers, Claire Mines, Brody Brannon, Paxton Kennamore, Maren Scyphers, Jaxon Robinson, and Braelyn Chalmers, along with many other close family members and friends.

Donations in memory of Chris may be made to your local animal shelter or the Alzheimer’s Foundation, 1 Metroplex Drive – Suite 230, Birmingham, Alabama 35209 (alz.org).