Leda Jane Kerley

To join the livestream broadcast of Leda Jane Kerley's funeral service, please select the link below. The broadcast of the service will begin at 1:55 P.M. Sunday, February 2, 2025. The service will be archived for 90 days from the date of the funeral for later viewing. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczODE4MDM1ODM0NzY5MyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== Leda Jane (Bullock) Kerley, age 87 years, a resident of rural Simpson (the Flatwoods community), passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon, January 28, 2025, at 4:33 P.M. at her home. Leda Jane was born June 20, 1937 in the Flatwoods Community. She was the daughter of Benjamin H. “Ben” and Martha Isabell “Belle” (Grant) Bullock. On April 30, 1955, Leda Jane was united in marriage to James A. Kerley, Jr in Union County, Illinois. He preceded her in death on October 18, 2006. Leda Jane is survived by: her children – Betty (Wayne) Mersinger of Loogootee, Indiana, Susan (Jerry) Botarf of Simpson, Illinois, Michael (Jen) Kerley of Grantsburg, Illinois; 8 Grandchildren – Jenny (Jason) Brown, Jonathan (Caron) Botarf, Steven Mersinger, Lauren (Troy) Hawkins, Jeffrey (Naomi) Mersinger, Vanessa Botarf, Avery Kerley and Kassia Kerley; 15 Great-Grandchildren – Jocelyn Brown, Jonathan Brown, Jameson Brown, Benjamin Hawkins, Emma Hawkins, Clara Hawkins, Evelyn Mersinger, Harrison Mersinger, Ashlyn Botarf, Ryan Botarf, Hayden Botarf, Kyler Maxfield, Kendall Maxfield, Teegan Nelson and Arya Nelson; and a great-great-granddaughter: Alysson Botarf; her dear “Kerley Family In-Laws” – Dorothy Jones, Jeannie (Bob) McCall, Kenneth (Cheryl) Kerley, Anita (Roger) Ditterline and Pattie Kerley; as well as several special nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives, her beloved church family and many friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Leda Jane was preceded in death by: 4 sisters – Pauline Gann, Marie Taylor, Ruby Bryant and Emily Selph; 5 brothers – Harlen, Orval, and Otis Bullock, Donnie Bullock (who passed in early childhood) and an infant brother. Leda Jane was a 1955 graduate of Vienna High School. Leda Jane was an integral member of the County Line Baptist Church in the Flatwoods Community. She taught Sunday school classes, enjoyed helping with Bible School activities, sang beautifully in the County Line Trio, played the piano and served as a church custodian. Throughout the years, she also served as a delegate to the Union Baptist Association meetings. Throughout her life, Leda Jane held various roles, demonstrating her dedication and strong work ethic. In addition to being a homemaker and assisting her husband on their family farm, she was employed as a secretary at New Simpson Hill School, served as an election judge, and provided childcare to a number of local families. During her years as a caregiver, she developed a special bond with the Bean family, whom she cherished deeply. In her free time, Leda Jane found joy in gardening, birdwatching, crocheting, and embroidery. She had a deep appreciation for nature and loved spending time outdoors, especially tending to her flowers. A Service honoring the life of Leda Jane Kerley will be conducted Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 2 P.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Burial will be in the Kerley Cemetery in the Flatwoods Community. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 4 P.M. – 7 P.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. There will also be a time of visitation from 1 P.M. until the funeral hour Sunday, February 2, 2025 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to County Line Baptist Church or Kerley Cemetery Fund. Donations for either may be made to c/o Donnie Morris, 146 Bull Pen Road, Simpson, Illinois 62985. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna, Illinois.

Leda Jane Kerley

June 20, 1937 - January 28, 2025