Kerrie Linn "Momma Kerrie, Gwa, Kerr Bear" Sims

Kerrie Sims, affectionately known as "Gwa", "Momma Kerrie" and "Kerr Bear" (to name only a few of her endearing nicknames), originally of Atwood, Illinois and most recently of Troy, Missouri, passed peacefully amongst family on Friday, November 28, 2014 at the age of 61.

She is survived by her father Donald L. Swartz, aunt Mary Jane Harshbarger, brother Nick Swartz, sister Donna Johnson, daughter Kristy Sweeney, daughter Jeanna Bosick and husband Ryan Bosick, and grandchildren Madigan & Keegan Sweeney along with her other nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her beloved mother Martha Jean Collins and former husband Thomas Noel Sims.

Kerrie's love of all things music and family was truly the heartbeat of her life. She had an unprecedented gift of grace to live life to the fullest with a positive attitude no matter the obstacle ahead. She will be deeply missed by her family and the many dear friends and students she touched throughout her life that she too considered family.

Memorial Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm, Friday, December 5, 2014 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 66 East US Highway 36, Atwood, IL. The family will have a toast in Kerrie's memory at Mona's Steak & Spirits, 114 North Main Street, Atwood, IL, following the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family, honoring her wishes, would prefer memorials be made to SSM Kick Cancer: http://www.givetossmhealth.org/kick-cancer/