Jouetta Irene Miller

Born March 9, 1935 in Clinton, Indiana to Glen and Charlotte (Reese) Kite, she married Robert Kearney. He died February 7, 1973. She later married John W. Miller and they later divorced.

Surviving are four sons, Robbie Kearney, David Kearney and Jimmy Kearney, all of Pekin and Danny Joe (Rita) Kearney of Bryant; two daughters, Crystal Rife and Melody Kearney, both of Pekin; 19 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Carl Kearney; two brothers, Bobby Glen Kite and Billy Warren Kite and two sisters, Elizabeth Ranney and Doris Gardner.

Jouetta had worked as a bartender at Kinder’s Bar in Pekin for 30 years and also cleaned houses.

She enjoyed crafting and making cemetery floral arrangements for friends and family. Jouetta also enjoyed playing bunko and her nightly dinners at McDonald’s with friends. She loved spending time with her sister and will be remembered for constantly being a people watcher, especially keeping close eyes on her family.

Jouetta formerly attended Pekin First Church of the Nazarene.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, February 13, 2023 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Chaplain Michael Mercier will officiate. Visitation will one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to American Cancer Society, One East Wacker, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60601 or American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, Virginia 22116-7023.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com