Sherrill Joye McKeever, 87, of Peoria, IL, slipped into the arms of Jesus on August 18, 2025 at The Arc of Chillicothe. Sherrill was born on August 25, 1937 in Bradford, IL to her parents, Ivan and Isla Shurts (nee Owen). She married Leslie W. “Bill” McKeever in Bradford, IL on July 26, 1958. He preceded her in death on May 29, 2012. Also preceding her in death is her son, Darin Kent McKeever on February 21, 1997, as well as her parents, 8 siblings.
Left to cherish Sherrill’s memory is her loving family, daughter, Cindy Boles (Anthony “Tony”), son, Kevin McKeever, daughter-in-law, Elizabeth McKeever (Darin), 6 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, sister, Rebecca Taylor, and many nieces and nephews.
Sherrill was a member of El Vista Baptist Church for nearly 60 years. She was AWANA director for 21 years and the church organist for 40 years. She taught Sunday School and Kindergarten at El Vista Baptist Academy. A musically gifted pianist and organist, she could play any instrument you placed in front of her, a musical gift received from God. She was a member of the choir and enjoyed sharing duets and trios with other church members. Above all, she loved her Lord.
A funeral service for Sherrill will be held on Thursday, August 21, at 1:00pm at El Vista Baptist Church with Pastor Joey Watt officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior at the church. Burial will follow the service at Swan Lake Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the El Vista Baptist Academy where Sherrill taught.
