"What a sad day. She was a wonderful kind heartfelt woman. I will always remember the large family feasts that she held for the holidays. My sincere condolences to the family."
In loving memory of
Waunieta (Ellie) Ruth Kerby
July 8, 2017
Waunieta (Ellie) Ruth Kerby, 92, of West Burlington, Iowa, entered Heaven's gates at 11:07 am at home on Saturday, July 8, 2017. She was born in Monmouth, IL to the late Arthur and Nellie Dunn, May 21, 1925.
Per her wishes, she has donated her body to the University of Iowa, College of Medicine for scientific purposes. A Celebration of Life service will be held Tuesday, July 11, 2017, New Life Family Church, 13267 Hwy 61, Burlington, IA. The family will receive friends at 4 pm; service at 4:30 pm; reception to follow.
Waunieta always had an open door for lively, humorous conversation and homemade goodies. She was an incredible, sacrificial and giving person that loved her family and friends. Until her health declined in later years, she took great joy in blessing others with her baked goods, and was known for yearly batches of homemade peanut brittle to friends and family. The name Ellie was given to her during her 19+ years of being a handicap bus driver with the Burlington School District; after retiring she also helped take care of her own neighbors, friends, and family that were in their end of life season.
Family that preceded her: parents, Arthur/Nellie Dunn; children, Gary McMillan, Trampus (Greg) McMillan, infant Bonnie McMillan; spouses, Robert D McMillan Sr, Morris H Ellis, Guy F Kerby; brothers, John and Victor Dunn; very special dog Jo Jo.
A special thank you goes out to all of her faithful, dedicated family and friend caretakers who helped care for her at home 24/7 for the last three years; with a very special debt of gratitude to daughter-in-law, Mary Ellen McMillan, who was with her for two of those three years; and the great team at Great River Hospice.
Waunieta is survived by son: Robert McMillan Jr of Burlington, Iowa; her daughters: Kathy (Mike) Weiler of Tequesta, Florida, Lori McMillan of Ft Madison, Iowa, Connie (Jim) Taylor of Quincy, Illinois, Betty Jo (Ellis) Frank of W Burlington, Iowa; 17 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, 28 great great grandchildren; sister, Irene Emanuel of West Bend, Wisconsin; nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends, and her very special friend and neighbor Bill Pruess.
Memorial is established with Great River Hospice, 1306 S Washington Rd, W Burlington, IA 52655.