Lavell Eloise Kohring Vohden Kish

6/14/1934 – 2/21/2026

Lavell completed the earthly portion of her life and transitioned to be with her Lord peacefully in her sleep at home. Born to Sylvester and Louise Kohring in Ohio, she grew up in several small towns south of Toledo. Matriculating from Woodville High School in 1952, she continued her education at Henry Ford Hospital Nursing School, where she graduated as a Registered Nurse. In addition to a 50-year nursing career, she found time to serve as a Stewardess with United Air Lines, traveling between San Francisco and Honolulu. Working with people was her first love.

She married Lt. Arthur F. Vohden, II USN, who unfortunately died before their son, Arthur F. Vohden, III was born. More than a year later, she married 1/Lt. Julius P Kish, III, USMC (JP) who adopted 14-month-old “Artie.” Lavell and JP had a son, Daniel G Kish who became lifelong friends with young Art. This foursome enjoyed boating, water skiing, fishing, camping and attending professional sporting events.

Lavell was a volunteer. Some of her work included: Exchange Place Docent, Meals on Wheels driver/deliverer, Ladies Golf Association Scribe, Marine Corps Officers’ Wives Club assorted duties, Eastman Road Race Support, Little League Baseball Scorekeeper, Habitat for Humanity retail store floor worker and various tasks within the Senior Center Activities.

In addition to caring for our cats, dogs, guinea pigs, snakes and other assorted creatures that young boys acquire, Lavell loved to tend her plants, paint, complete jigsaw puzzles and Sudoku challenges. She loved swimming, kayaking, tennis and pickleball. Her golf game was average but enthusiastic enough to goad JP into joining her on the course. In exchange, she became knowledgeable and an enthusiastic fan of watching NFL Football with him. Lavell was a spirited sports car driver and considered racing in Formula V but chose not to compete. She did, however, compete in running. The crowning achievement was in the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base Mud Run in which she entered twice and won First and Second Place finishes in her two attempts. This is a 10k obstacle course for Marines, opened to the public annually for this event, which is not for the faint of heart!

Lavell thanks God for two wonderful husbands, two wonderful sons, many friends and a perfect life. She was predeceased by her parents, sisters Demaris and Dolores and first husband Arthur. The family would like to express sincerest appreciation to Comfort Keepers, Amedisys Hospice and Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home for their professional, loving care and comfort during difficult times.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Preston Hills Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to either Preston Hills Presbyterian Church, PO Box 7393, Kingsport, TN 37664 or Bridge Home No Kill Animal Shelter, PO Box 654, Blountville, TN 37617.