Rebecca Sue “Becky” VanKirk, 61, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 3:07 p.m. on Monday, January 17, 2022, at Kindred Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
She was born April 27, 1960, in Granite City, a daughter of the late Darryl and Elizabeth “Bette” (Buehler) VanKirk. She married Edward C. Keel on May 25, 2006, at Wilson Park in Granite City and he survives. Becky was a talented nail technician and beautician and was a licensed cosmetologist for many years. She was a proud member of the Granite City club of AA. She loved the outdoors and traveling and enjoyed her days fishing, being on the river, and her trips to the Ozarks. She also enjoyed her visits to the gambling boats and cherished her grandchildren. She will be remembered for the love and special times shared with her family and friends.
In addition to her beloved husband, she is survived by two daughters, Angela (Daniel) Riggs of Rosewood Heights and Jamie (Joseph) Steigelman of Granite City; a son, James Childers of Waterloo; a stepdaughter, Tawnee (Matthew) Chandler of Virginia and Jade (David) Clark of North Carolina; four grandchildren, Eric Adams, Xander Adams, Peyton Childers, and Dylan Riggs; a stepgranddaughter, Blaire Chandler; a sister, Vickie Stanton and fiancé, Terry of Granite City; a brother, David VanKirk of St. Charles, Missouri; a sister-in-law, Carold (Frank) VanKirk of Florissant, Missouri; many nieces; nephews; other extended family and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother Jeffery VanKirk and a sister, Trena (Kevin) Lacy.
In celebration of her life, a visitation will be held at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Sunday, January 23, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. until the time of funeral service at 7:00 p.m. with Reverend Mike Watkins officiating. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and may be accepted at the funeral home. www.irwinchapel.com
