Joan Kerby

BENTON, Mo. -- Joan Marie "Joanie" Kerby, 71, of Benton joined the heavenly choir Monday, July 11, 2016.

She was born Nov. 17, 1944, to Theon Peter and Lorena Wesley Hawkins Urhahn. She married John Alvin Kerby on Aug. 30, 1973, in Metropolis, Illinois. John preceded her in death Dec. 16, 2010.

She was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church and choir in Benton. She was an avid pianist, guitarist and soloist. She played by ear and could play just about anything you wanted to hear. She was a member of the Bones House Band for many years.

Some organizations she belonged to include Eagles Aerie 3775 in Cape Girardeau, St. Denis Ladies Altar Society, Benton Senior Citizens, Commerce (Missouri) Community Betterment Club and Regional Catholic Leadership Program of the diocese.

She attended St. Denis School, Kelly High School and Cape Vocational Technical School.

She loved children, especially those of her family and friends. Joanie enjoyed receiving hugs and kisses from children after Mass. She loved baby-sitting and playing games like Chicken Foot Dominoes and cards.

She is survived by a stepson, John (Vicki) Kerby, and a stepgrandson, Kyle Kerby of Scott City; a sister, Patricia "Pat" (Bill) Schlosser of Benton; a brother, Edwin "Butch" (Darlene) Urhahn of Venice, Florida; a sister-in-law, Barbara Urhahn of Benton; nieces and nephews, both immediate and great; and a special dog companion, Duke.

She also was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary Morrill; her parents; and four brothers, Wesley "Boodle" Urhahn, Marvin "Curly" Urhahn, Jim "Tex" Urhahn and Harold Urhahn.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton. A parish prayer service will be at 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Michael Casteel as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Denis Catholic Cemetery in Benton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Denis Parish or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.