Lillian Kerley

Lillian V. Kerley, age 94 years, a resident of Vienna, Illinois, passed away Thursday afternoon, November 19, 2020, at 4:42 PM at Hillview Health Care Center in Vienna. Lillian was born May 16, 1926 in Pope County Illinois. She was the daughter of Dixon Scott and Ressie (Dunning) Scott. On June 29, 1945, Lillian was united in marriage to Rillis L. Kerley in Vienna. Together they have shared over 75 years of marriage. In addition to her husband, Lillian is survived by: 2 daughters – Velma (John) Waters of Vienna and Verna Rushing of Metropolis; 5 grandchildren – Chandra (her fiancé Eric Prather) Rushing of Eldorado, Chelli Rushing of Metropolis, Steve (Kelli) Waters, Mike (Branon) Waters, and Sara (Ryan) O’Neal all of Vienna; great grandchildren – Christian Stanley, Chaitlyn (Johnny) Foos, Ian Hardison, J.T. Waters, Andy Waters, Grady Waters, Griffin Waters, Matt O’Neal and Eli O’Neal; a great-great grandson – Vincent Hardison; a brother-in-law – Roy (Ann) Kerley of Simpson, 3 sisters-in-law – Letha Breeden, Wilma Murphy, and Carolyn Kerley all of Vienna; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. In addition to her parents, Lillian was preceded in death by; a son-in-law – Dan Rushing, a sister – Mary Rhymer, brothers-in-law – Donald Rhymer, Otis (Betty) Kerley, Donald Kerley, Gary Dale Murphy, and Wayne Breeden; and sisters-in-law – Frances (Bass) Kerley and Faye Kerley. Lillian had been employed as a clerk at the former Weeks’ General Store at Bay City. She had also worked as a cook at McKee School, and a clerk at Taylor’s, later Morris’, Standard Oil Station in Simpson. Lillian had also worked for a time as an aide at Hillview Health Care Center and a clerk at Miles’ Grocery in the Southern Garden shopping center in Vienna. Above all, however, Lillian was a devoted homemaker. She enjoyed making handcrafted embroidery as well as creating beautiful quilts. She and Rillis gardened and they shared from their abundant produce and Lillian canned vegetables for their own use. She also performed many other tasks when they lived on the farm, even helping milk the cows. Occasionally, when time permitted, Lillian enjoyed fishing. Lillian was of the Baptist faith. The family would like to thank the staff of Hillview Health Care Center for the tender care and kindness which was shown to Lillian during her residency and especially in these last days. A special thanks to Knikki Keeling for going “above and beyond” in her care of Lillian. A graveside service will be conducted Monday afternoon, November 23, 2020, at 1 PM at Rock Springs Cemetey, 25 Rock Springs Lane, Simpson, Illinois 62985. Pastor David Faulkner will officiate. Interment will follow. There will be no public visitation. Those attending the service are invited to gather at the cemetery at 12:45 PM. Please be advised that customarily accepted social distancing guidelines are to be observed. The wearing of a face mask or covering is strongly encouraged. Memorials may be made to Rock Springs Cemetery Fund, c/o Roy Kerley, 8335 State Route 147, Simpson, IL 62985 or to the Independence Cemetery Fund, c/o John Okerson, 330 State Route 147, Vienna, IL 62995.

Lillian Kerley

May 16, 1926 - November 19, 2020