Betty Kerr, age 61, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois

Betty was born on July 24, 1965, in Peoria, Illinois, to Arthur Murray and Alma (Edgemon) Vandegraft. Jerry Vandegraft was her stepfather and an important father figure throughout her life. She married John Kerr in 1991, with whom she had her two children, Kyle and Kasandra.

Betty was preceded in death by her mother, Alma (Edgemon) Vandegraft; her father, Arthur Murray; her stepfather, Jerry Vandegraft; and her brother, Donnie Murray.

Surviving are her children, Kyle Kerr of Chicago and Kasandra Kerr of Peoria; her brothers, Ronnie (Cindy) Murray of Chillicothe and Randy (Sandra) Murray of Marquette Heights; her stepsister, Victoria (David "Suds") Williams of Chillicothe; as well as her best friends, Glenda Turner and Kenna Wagenbach.

Betty was a loving mother, loyal friend, and deeply caring person. She was a dedicated employee of Galena Road Gravel in Chillicothe, where she worked for 36 years. Her children were the center of her world, and there was nothing she wouldn't do for them. She treasured spending time with her family and friends and loved getting together with her friends to laugh, have a margarita, and enjoy each other's company. Betty also found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved relaxing at home with her beloved dog, Trisket, enjoying a Pepsi and watching the Game Show Network and reality TV. Above all, Betty loved deeply and cared fiercely for the people closest to her. Her family and friends knew how much they meant to her, and the love she gave them will remain an important part of her memory.

Betty will be deeply missed by her children, family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held at a later date.