Carol Jean Kerby

Carol Jean (Keith) Kerby, age 90, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Midland, MI. She was born on March 7, 1936 at her grandparents’ farmhouse in Eldorado, MI to Ben and Henrietta (Hartman) Keith.

Carol lived a short time in Weidman, MI before moving to West Branch in 1938 when her parents purchased the West Branch Greenhouse, later working there in her young adult life. After graduating from West Branch High School, she attended Central Michigan College and then moved to Ann Arbor to work for Bendix Aerospace and the University of Michigan. In 1964, Carol married Richard W. Kerby and they moved to California for a few years before returning to West Branch to raise their family.

Carol was at the heart of every gathering and loved when she could use her gift of hospitality to welcome others into her beloved home. Nothing made her happier than sharing music, laughter, and the delicious meals she loved to cook for anyone who happened to stop by. She especially loved spending time with her family whom she cherished above all else. Carol’s lifelong passions included golfing at West Branch Country Club with Rick and the girls, playing piano/organ at numerous churches, assisted living homes, community events and musical productions; playing cards with special friends; camping and traveling with Brenda Simmons to Florida and England and cheering U of M and the Detroit Lions & Tigers to victory (a tough job at times). Carol lived life to the fullest, making every day count!

She is survived by four daughters, Karrie (Kevon) Martis of Riga, MI, Ketha (John) Knuth and children / grandchildren of Marysville, MI, Karla (Dan) Davidson of Delton, MI, Kelly (Phil) Hinkson of West Branch; grandchildren, Madelyn (Emily) Kerby, Noah Martis, Adam Martis, Conner Gough, Cooper Gough (fiancée Natasha Greer); foster son, David Likavec and sons, Zachary, Hunter, Trevor; brother, Wayne (Kathy) Keith; sister-in-law Jeanie Keith, nieces Kirsten (Bob) Turner, Kimberlee Keith; Karyn (Paul) Carlson; nephews Eric (MaryAnn) Carlson, Kurt Carlson, Ben (Katie) Keith; several great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many close friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a brother, nephew and great-nephew.

Visitation will be held at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church in West Branch on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church – Pipe Organ Resurrection.

Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Carol Jean Kerby, please visit our flower store or call West Branch Greenhouse directly at 989-345-1133.