Kerri-Beth Nall Duvanel

Kerri-Beth Nall Duvanel

Kerri-Beth Nall was born on September 1, 1964, in Kansas City, Mo, and shortly thereafter she was adopted by Rex and Elaine Nall, a postal worker and a teacher who had adopted a son, Michael, two years earlier. Rex, Elaine and Michael were very excited to welcome a daughter and little sister into the family. At that point, they lived in South Kansas City, and in 1967 moved to Gladstone, where Kerri spent the rest of her childhood, attending school at Linden East, Linden West, New Mark Junior High and Oak Park High School. 

Always social, many teachers had the same message on her report card, “Kerri talks too much!” That may have been true, but her outgoing and social nature was, of course, one of her greatest qualities. She always had a passion for music and was a huge fan of Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac and of course, her long-term boyfriend, Bruce Springsteen. She made friends easily (many who remained her close friends the rest of her life) and was usually the life of the party. Speaking of parties, by the time junior high and high school came around – she did not miss many of them when she was not caring for her new little brother, Jeremy, born when Kerri was 11. Brother Jeremy was born when Kerri was 11 and she often cared for him. After high school, she went on to attend the University of Missouri, Columbia, UMKC and Maple Woods College. before deciding that perhaps she was happier earning money by waiting tables. For years, she worked as a server making life-long friends who were with her to the end. Her love of music continued, and she was a regular at the live music scene in KC where she befriended the Rainmakers and their lead singer, Bob Walkenhorst. Kerri moved to Huntington Beach, California for a couple of years but returned to KC to spend time with her friends, family and especially her newly born baby niece, Jessica. 

Kerri loved children and children loved her. It was around that time that met the future father of her own children, Troy. Troy and Kerri married, bought 3 houses in just a few years while parenting two amazing boys, Evan Michael and Miles Joseph. Kerri found her calling as a mom whether at home in Shawnee or during trips to the Duvanel Family cabin in Colorado. She loved being home with her boys, scrapbooking memories and fixing up her house, decorating Evan’s room with Thomas the Tank and Miles, with Curious George. One thing that did not change was her outgoing and outspoken nature. This quote from Dr. Suess was painted on Kerri’s wall and sums up her genuine nature. 

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind". 

In the early 2000s, Rex and Elaine passed away, her marriage ended, and Kerri became a single mom. It was a stressful time, but with help from family and friends, she got back on her feet and bought a house in Mission to raise her boys in. Kerri went back to work full time at Haas and Wilkerson Insurance where she served in licensing and operations for over 20 years, making life-long friends there – just as she had ever since her school days. Once again, she found her stride with her job, the boy’s school and her home all less than 10 minutes from each other. She also served as a Sunday School teacher for years at All Souls Unitarian Church, once again making good friends and loving the preschoolers in her care. 

Then another challenge, Kerri received a diagnosis of Leukemia. She went in for her annual check-up and her white blood cells were high and her red blood cells low. The physician asked her, “Aren’t you tired?”. In true Kerri fashion, she replied “of course, I am tired, I am a single mom who works full-time!”. Happily, she was treated and went into remission quickly. However, she started becoming more forgetful as time went on and in 2019, Kerri was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease and began treatment. While the news was devastating, Kerri knew she had to fight and keep optimistic for her boys. She retired in 2020 and was able to live at home until 2023 thanks to Evan and Miles and their dedication to her. She also had an amazing caregiver, Jo Brooke, who loved her like a daughter. Kerri continued to progress and eventually moved from Assisted Living to Memory Care, and her diagnosis was changed to Alzheimer’s with Lewy Body Dementia, a devastating disease with rapid progression. Kerri’s family thanks the many friends who visited and supported her throughout the illness both at home and during her stay in Memory Care. Without those visits, the past few years would have been so much more difficult.

Kerri’s love of music was lifelong, and she found comfort with songs from her beloved Bruce, The Chicks, Stevie Nicks and more. In fact, this love of music may have been genetic because in 2018, Kerri was able to find her birthmother, Susan, who also had a love of music, and especially Bruce. In fact, they were even at the same Bruce concert at one point. Meeting Susan was a life-long dream for Kerri. The time they spent helped Kerri learn more about who she was. 

Throughout her life, she loved to travel, going on trips to Chicago, New York City, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Mexico and many other places. 

There is a quote that she had on a plaque in her kitchen and eventually in the memory care centers– 

“I never worry about getting lost, I just change the direction I want to go”. 

Kerri had to change directions many times in life – but each time, she did so with a smile and a love and care for others. She was a loving and supportive mother and loyal and fun aunt, sister and friend who will be missed terribly. 

Kerri leaves behind two sons, Evan Michael, Merriam, KS, Miles Joseph, of Lawrence, KS, a younger brother and sister-in-law, Jeremy and Chera Nall and niece, Cassidy Nall all of Corpus Christi, TX, an older brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Janette Nall of Dana Point, CA and nieces, Jessica Nall of West Hollywood, CA and Madeline Nall of Boulder, CO as well as many good friends and extended family members – who loved her very much. 

A celebration of life is planned for later in the spring. 

The family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, Planned Parenthood or the Midwest Music Foundation.

Planned Parent Hood

Alzheimer's Association 

Midwest Music Foundation