Vivienne Duncan Kenyon (Vencil)

Vivienne Duncan Vencil Kenyon passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Vivienne was born on March 24, 1927 to William and Lair Vencil. She was delivered by her grandmother, Ola Mae Duncan, in her grandmother’s home on the Duncan farm in McElmo Canyon. That farm eventually became William Vencil’s produce farm. Vivienne and her three siblings Lairola, Stephanie, and Noel lived on the farm until 1935 when the Vencils built a house on Montezuma Avenue in Cortez and moved to town to take advantage of the public schools.

Vivienne graduated from Cortez High School in 1945, and in 1947, married Philip Kenyon of Cortez. The couple set up housekeeping on Market Street and started a family. Vivienne and Philip had three children; Tom, Jennifer (deceased) and Melissa.

In 1963, Philip accepted a position as an auto parts salesman in Roswell, New Mexico, and the family relocated. After 30 years in Roswell, Vivienne and Philip returned to Cortez. They designed and built a hybrid solar house on Vivienne’s portion of the Vencil farm and enjoyed entertaining and connecting with old friends. As founding members of the Cortez Historical Society, Vivienne and Philip were instrumental in saving the old Calkins School. Their involvement in historical preservation efforts extended to a partnership with Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project (MORP) to restore the languishing Gold Medal Orchard on the Vencil farm. In 2015, only three 100-year-old apple trees remained in the orchard; as a result of the MORP partnership, the orchard was replanted with 400 apple trees grafted from heirloom trees in Montezuma County.

An accomplished painter and printmaker, Vivienne received many accolades for her work throughout her life. Vivienne and Philip were also active members of the United Methodist Church, and together worked as Lay Speakers during their time in New Mexico.

Vivienne is survived by her son Tom, and daughter Melissa (Bob) and grandchildren Matt (Jenna) and Sarah (David), and numerous treasured extended family. Philip preceded her in death in 2022; she was also preceded in death by her daughter Jennifer, and daughter-in-law Ronnie.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Vivienne’s name to Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project. https://montezumaorchard.org/ 

The family gratefully acknowledges the gentle care of Visiting Angels over the past five years, and Pasco Hospice over the last several weeks.

A memorial service honoring Vivienne and Philip will be held at the Cortez First United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Light refreshments will be served.