Kinney Jean Carnahan

Kinney Jean Carnahan, age 70, passed away on Friday, June 10, 2022 at her home. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was born February 27, 1952, the second daughter of Robert and Roberta Dickey and graduated from Villisca High School in 1970.

Kinney married Jim Carnahan in 1971. They raised two daughters in Des Moines. Kinney had a special gift for working with children and worked at the Des Moines Christian Preschool for a number of years before returning to school. She graduated from Drake University in 1987 and followed that by working at the Johnston Public Library for over 20 years, where she impacted the lives of many children and families in her role as the director of children’s programming. Many benefited from Kinney’s love of literature, stories, and story-telling. Kinney was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church and enjoyed the contemporary service there as well as her role as a Sunday School Teacher. Kinney was a talented musician, singing and playing the piano by ear. She loved listening to music and sharing information about artists with others. Kinney was a huge Hawkeye fan and enjoyed watching basketball and football games with her husband and family. Lastly, Kinney was passionate about her ideals and beliefs and wanted a better world for all children.

Kinney is survived by her loving husband Jim, her children: Maya Johnston (Ethan), Erin Carnahan, and Tavian Carnahan, four grandchildren: Maddie, Lydia, Hayden, and Keshon, one great grandson Ezra, two brothers Brad and Bryan, her devoted sister Carole, along with many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at New Hope United Methodist Church, 4525 Beaver Ave, Des Moines on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions in Kinney’s honor may be made to Children’s Programming at the Johnston Public Library or Mom’s Demand Action.

Print