Eleanor Frances (Kleemann) Renshaw, 89, of Owensboro, crossed into the arms of her Heavenly Father on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the Carmel Home in Owensboro. She was surrounded by her family, who loved on her and prayed for her.
Born in Carmi, Illinois, to Jacob (Jake) and Mary Kleemann, she and her twin sister, Margie, and 2 more sisters, Mary Elizabeth and Paula, blessed the family and enjoyed hanging out in Wehrle’s Innovation Bakery Soda Fountain and Restaurant (the family business) with their dad.
Eleanor married her high school sweetheart, Hal L. Renshaw, and together they raised one beautiful, theatrical daughter and 4 rambunctious boys; she was often quoted as saying, “This house is not a gymnasium!” She was a devoted mother, serving as a personal chauffeur to her children and leading their Cub Scout and Brownie troops. Later, she worked at Oney’s Shoe Store, becoming manager and outfitting her children and grandchildren with shoes for many years.
In addition to raising her family and working full time, she volunteered to serve her community in various capacities, including as Eucharistic Minister for over 20 years at Owensboro (Mercy) Health Hospital.
Eleanor and Hal loved playing cards, especially bridge, traveling, attending local theatre productions, the symphony and all events in which their children and grandchildren were involved. Most Sundays, the family gathered at the house on Chippewa for brunch, ice cream, and cookies. Her grandchildren affectionately called her “Mono.”
Eleanor was a grace-filled woman of faith devoted to the Catholic Church. She attended Mass almost daily and prayed the rosary faithfully. Eleanor was a Sophia Award recipient for the Catholic Diocese of Owensboro, exemplifying a life of stewardship. She was a gentle, gracious lady who taught us all true patience.
She was preceded in death by her husband Hal, her parents, and her twin Margie Kornmann.
Survivors include children Lisa (Bob) Moberly, David (Julie) Renshaw, Mike (Susan) Renshaw, Jeff Renshaw (Lisa Terry), and Kevin Renshaw. Also surviving are her grandchildren Dr. Amy Renshaw (Nate Wine), Rachel (Bradford) St. Clair, Eric (Ashton) Renshaw, Jennifer Renshaw, Alexandra (Matt) Edwards, and Geneva Renshaw; great grandchildren, Grayson and Baker St. Clair, Annabelle Wine, and Henry Renshaw; siblings, Mary Elizabeth Morris and Paula (Larry) Pierson. She also leaves behind a special cousin Mary Anne Wehrle, and niece, Lori Bottles, as well as many loved nephews and nieces.
Friends and members of her church mourn her loss. The family will be eternally grateful for the staff and sisters at the Carmel Home for their loving care of her.
The funeral Mass for Eleanor will be at 1:00 pm, Friday, May 16, 2025, at Immaculate Catholic Church with Father John Vaughan officiating. Internment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Carmel Home on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 1:30 -3:00 pm and again on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 11:00 – 1:00 pm at Immaculate Catholic Church.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Immaculate Church Capital Fund, 2516 Christie Place, Owensboro, KY 42301, or to the Carmel Home, 2501 Old Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY 42303.
Memories and condolences may be offered online at www.glenncares.com