McBURNEY

REV. KENNETH ARDEN

Age 93, passed away peacefully, on March 10, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Born on May 26, 1931, in Beloit, Kansas, Kenneth spent his early years in Beloit and Hill City, and later, Quinter, Kansas. He graduated from Quinter High School in 1949. His academic journey continued at Sterling College for two years, before he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture-Ornamental Horticulture from Kansas State University in 1954.

Kenneth proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1954 to 1956, stationed in Japan. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1962.

Pursuing a calling to ministry, he completed a Master of Divinity from the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA in May 1959. On June 13, 1959, he and Virginia Ann Chess of Pittsburgh were married.

Kenneth served faithfully for 36 years as a minister in the Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPCNA), shepherding congregations across North America and abroad. His pastoral work spanned six years in Portland, Oregon, 11 years in Denison, Kansas, and 19 years in Almonte, Ontario, Canada. He also participated in a pastoral exchange with the Loughbrickland and Clare RP Churches in Northern Ireland. His leadership extended beyond the pulpit — he played a foundational role in establishing the Lawrence, Kansas RP Church, the development of Camp Curry (Winchester, KS) and was instrumental in founding both the Ottawa Reformed Presbyterian Theological Hall and the Ottawa RP Church in Ontario, Canada. Throughout his career, Kenneth mentored numerous pastoral interns, leaving a lasting legacy of guidance and encouragement. Following retirement from full-time ministry, Kenneth and his wife, Virginia, settled near Beaver Falls, PA. They enjoyed many cultural, musical and sporting events at Geneva College and he especially enjoyed watching his nephew, Keith Mann's children compete. Kenneth continued to serve as an elder in the session of First RP Church of Beaver Falls, PA.

A man deeply rooted in both faith and the soil, Kenneth's love for agriculture was evident throughout his life. From his early days as a 4-H member to over 60 years of gardening and landscaping, he cultivated beauty wherever he lived. He was also musically gifted — a devoted precentor at church services and an accomplished player of several instruments including the harmonica, French horn and ukulele. Kenneth wanted to make a tissue donation to science through CORE (Center for Organ Recovery & Education) in Pittsburgh, and his donation will help to train search and rescue dogs.

Kenneth is lovingly remembered by his family. He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Virginia Ann Chess of Pittsburgh; and their three children: daughter, Joyce DeFont (Michael) of Walden, New York; son, Scott McBurney (Donna) of Topeka, Kansas; and son, John McBurney (Alisha) of Indianapolis, Indiana. His legacy continues through his six grandchildren: Erik DeFont (Roxbury, Vermont), Nicole DeFont (St. Petersburg, Florida), Bethany McBurney Kempfe (Jonathan) (Rockwall, Texas) and Abigail, Jasmine and Makayla McBurney (Indianapolis, IN). He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Ayla and Mason DeFont (Roxbury, VT).

He is also remembered by his stepbrothers, John Forman (Lorraine), Tom Forman (Nancy); stepsister-in-law, Keay Forman; and their families; brother-in-law, Scott Boyle (Rose) and his family; niece, JoAnn Boyle Smith (David) and her family; and Ruth and Bob Mann's family- Roger (Malinda), Sheryl Linders (Mark), Keith (Jill) and Greg (Catherine) and their families.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Waldo and Irene McBurney; stepmother, Vernice Chestnut Forman McBurney; sister, Ruth Mann and her husband, Bob; sister, Mary Jane Boyle (Scott); niece, Tammy Boyle; stepbrother, Rhea Forman; and great-nephew, Michael Linders.

Kenneth will be remembered for his steadfast faith, gentle spirit and unwavering dedication to his family and church communities. Psalm 37:23 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." A Celebration of Life will be held on June 24, 2025, from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., at North Hills Reformed Presbyterian Church, 606 Thompson Run Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to the following in Kenneth's name:

Denison RP Church-Denison, KS

Hillside RP Church-Almonte, Ontario, Canada

First RP Church of Beaver Falls, PA

Geneva College -Beaver Falls, PA

Reformed Presbyterian Home- Pittsburgh, PA

CORE- Pittsburgh, PA

Parkinson's Research

Arrangements by SIMONS FUNERAL HOME INC.

www.simonsfuneralhome.com