KERR, Roberta L. (1930-2021)

KERR

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 7/4/2022 at 17:25:02

Roberta Lee Kerr
(February 12 1930 - March 19, 2021)

Roberta Starry Kerr passed into Heaven on March 19, 2021. She was holding the hand of her sweetheart of 70 years, when she died peacefully. Roberta was born February 12, 1930 in the Sigourney, Iowa, to Eldon and Nelle Sorden Starry. She grew up on a farm near Webster, Iowa and attended school there through her junior high school year. She entered Simpson College at the age of 16 through a special entrance exam and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. She married her college sweetheart, Chuck Kerr, following graduation, and began her teaching career in Des Moines. She studied at the University of Iowa, Drake University, and Iowa State. Chuck was recalled for a second tour of duty with the Navy, and they were sent to the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida where Roberta taught piano lessons on the Navy base. They returned to Simpson College, so Chuck could complete his business degree, and Roberta continued teaching privately before returning to teaching music in the Indianola public schools.
Roberta and Chuck had a special interest in international exchange program. They hosted many students and adults in their home. They also enjoyed travel in both the U.S. and abroad, including Rotary Friendship Exchange trips to Guatemala, Ireland, South Africa, and Australia and to China.
She spent most of her music teaching years in the elementary schools in Indianola. (She even had the distinction of teaching in the old junior high building, which was condemned, and soon razed to make space for the Indianola City Library.)
She was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church where she served as director of the music program, started a high school choir, and organized the first handbell choir. She was a member of the Simpson College choir which sang every Sunday during her college years, so she has been singing in Indianola church choirs since 1946.
Roberta was also active in Federated Music Club, Chapter BP of the P.E.O. sisterhood, Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club, Opera Guild, Delta Kappa Gamma, Simpson Guild and Mid-Day Connection, and a Hot Air Balloon Museum volunteer as well as many church committees. She served her College Alma Mater in several capacities, including Simpson Alumnae Council and often hosting college reunions in their home. She also received the Simpson College Achievement Award, and she and Chuck were presented the Simpson Loyalty Award. Roberta received the Warren Co. Legends Award, and The Paul Harris Fellow award by Rotary International.
Besides her husband, Chuck, of 70 years, she is survived by daughters, Chris Pace of Indianola, Iowa, Cindy (Jon) Schuman of Johnston, Iowa, Lisa (Steve) Gray of Indianola, Iowa, and son, David (Sonya) Kerr of Magnolia, Texas.
Her passion for cooking was enjoyed by her grandchildren. They loved her special treats such as her famous banana bread, caramels, scotcheroos, and more! She is survived by 15 grandchildren, Laura Pace Snyder (Grant), Kyle Schuman (Angie), Allison Schuman Kupka (Dustin), Daniel Schuman (Lindsay), Alex Schuman, Tyler Gray, (Alicia,) Spencer Gray, Jenna Gray, Emily Paschke, Ryan Paschke, Lin Marie Kerr Grace (Jonathan,) Chian Kerr Crawford (Jesse,) Cheney Emberg, Kennedy Kerr, and Gabriel Kerr.
Her 18 great-grandchildren amazed her and she proudly told stories of their adventures. Roberta's legacies are: Aubrey Schuman, Blake Schuman, Trey Kupka, Trevor Kupka, Tessa Kupka, Lillian Schuman, Chloe Schuman, Malcolm Gray, Octavian Gray, Kingston Paschke, Sofia Grace, Ariana Snyder, Ellorie Snyder, Ryland Snyder, Aleah Charlson, Ashlynn Hanson, Mason Frevert, and Zander Poe.
Roberta was preceded in death by three grandchildren Brian Pace, Michelle Pace, Logan Kerr-Gray, her brother Dr. Allan R. Starry, her parents Eldon (Dick) and Nelle Starry, and step-mother Mabel Nimtz Cuddy Starry and son-in-law, Ed Pace.
Private family services will be held Tuesday, March 23, 2021. Friends may join the family on our Livestream beginning at 10 a.m. on her obituary page of Overton Funeral Home’s website. Public graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Sorden Cemetery, Webster, IA
Memorial contributions may be made to Chuck Kerr for the Roberta Kerr Memorial Fund. A memorial honoring her love of music will be chosen. This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, http://www.overtonfuneral.com/