Barbara Lucille (Bratch) Kerr

Barbara Lucille (Bratch) Kerr, 81 of Battle Creek died due to COVID at Bronson Battle Creek on Monday, June 7, 2021.

She was born January 31, 1940 in Winchester, Illinois, the daughter of Gene and Marjorie (Dillon) Bratch. Barb grew up in Illinois and moved to Battle Creek in 1969, when her children were young. She earned a Registered Nursing Degree, but decided early on that was not the job for her. Barb was employed in housekeeping at the Battle Creek Inn for many years and continued with local hotels until retiring at age 74.

Barb was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Kerr; a son, Norman Eugene "Lucky" Castleberry; her parents; sister, Roberta Bratch; brother, Jim Bratch; and her dogs, Fancy, Rhoadie, Whoolie, and Rikka. Surviving are five children, Virginia (Rick) Abbott, Nelda Beaudrie, Marjorie Castleberry, Anita Castleberry and Steven Castleberry all of Battle Creek; ten grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; a sister, Linda Bratch, a brother, Glen Bratch and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families, and her cats, Baby and Baily.

Barbara loved spending time with her family, cooking and caring for them. She enjoyed playing Dice, Dice Games, and was a big part of family time together. Barb will be remembered for her homemade noodles, fried chicken, and Thanksgiving dinners. Everyone enjoyed her amazing Christmas decorations every year. She loved her pets and had many through the years. She loved dancing in her younger years. She was a great dancer and loved going to Green's Tavern. Her favorite hobbies were her Glass Collection and her many other knick-knack collections. She was a beautiful woman and an amazing mother. She will be dearly missed.

Friends will be received 1:00-2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 17, 2021 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where a service to celebrate Barb's life will be officiated by Rev. James Sparks at 2:00 p.m. Thursday.

Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.