Mary Alice Kerby

Born on September 12, 1941 in Pekin to John Delmar and Dorothea W. (Loercher) Gosnell, she married Paul F. Kerby on June 26, 1960 in Pekin. He died March 2, 2021 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Sean Douglas Kerby; one brother, James D. Gosnell and one sister, Karen Kay Lock.

Surviving are two sons, Paul (Kara) Kerby, Jr. of Pekin and William (Paula) Kerby of Alliance, Ohio; one daughter, Alicia (Christopher) Friedman of Dunlap; sixteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Gerald (Patricia) Gosnell of Marquette Heights and many nieces and nephews.

She worked for Barrell Antique Mall in Springfield as a cashier, retiring in 2005.

An artistic and creative person, Mary was passionate about sewing, along with teaching and working with ceramics and porcelain. She generously sewed for others and created sojourn bears for cancer patients. Additionally, she made memory items for Vitas Hospice and memory bears for Traditions Hospice. Mary also cherished her time living in Italy for five years, which was a highlight of her life.

She was deeply involved in her community. She served as past president of the William Schaefer American Legion Post 44 Ladies Auxiliary and was a past department president for Illinois with the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary. She volunteered in the kitchen at the former AMVETS Post 235 in Pekin, was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and belonged to the Pekin Women of the Moose Chapter 573. Her dedication extended to her role as past president of the Pekin Hospital Auxiliary, where she was a longtime volunteer. Mary also volunteered for the American Red Cross and was a leader with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts for over 30 years. Her faithful service with the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team included roles as chaplain and secretary/treasurer. She was also a member of the Artisan Guild and International Doll Makers.

She was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Pekin.

Her funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastors Carole Hoke and Lauren Padgett will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Peoria Honor Flight, P.O. Box 5072, Peoria, IL 61601 or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Mary's life was a testament to her love for her community and her commitment to serving others. Her legacy will continue to inspire all those who had the privilege to know her.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com