Kelly Ann (Byron) Booten

Kelly Ann Booten, 55, passed away Thursday April 30, 2026, surrounded by family at her home in East Alton.

Born April 4, 1971 in Alton, Illinois, she was the daughter of John and Sherrie (Carstens) Byron of East Alton.

Kelly had a long and successful career as a kindergarten teacher for 33 years in East Alton School District 13. She gained many friends during her time there and considered some of them her family. She remembered each and every child that she ever taught and developed relationships with not only her students but with the families as well. She enjoyed seeing how many of her students graduated each year from East Alton Wood River High School. She loved spending her summers nurturing her flowers and plants that were around her pool and loved to lay out in the sun reading her books. Kelly's favorite color was pink and her favorite artist was Dolly Parton. She also adored the Royal Family. Princess Diana most of all. Her favorite movies and tv shows were ''Kindergarten Cop", "Sound of Music", "Chicago Med, Fire, and PD". Her most cherished memories were going on the trips that she planned with her family.

Kelly married the love of her life Douglas Booten on June 18, 1994. He survives.

Surviving in addition to her husband and parents are son, Gage Booten of East Alton; daughter, Kate Booten of East Alton; two brothers, Aaron (Jenny) Byron of Edwardsville, Adam Byron (Amy Olney) of Godfrey; a sister, Kasey (Jess) Thomas of Wood River; a sister-in-law, Terri Angleton of East Alton; seven nieces, Jamie (Brad) Turner, Kim Angleton (Eric DeWerf), Grace Byron, Kali and Ayla Thomas, Zoe and Sophie Byron; one nephew, Ryan (Kelli) Angleton; two great nieces, Jordan Turner and Ryli Angleton; and two great nephews, Carson Olson and Ryker Angleton.

She was preceded in death by her special grandma, Thelma Carstens.

To honor Kelly's legacy, an annual scholarship has been created through the EAWR Foundation. The family suggests any memorials to please be directed towards EAWR Foundation in her memory and include her name in the memo or notation.

Visitation will be at Holy Angels Parish Church in Wood River on Tuesday, May 5 from 10 until time of service at 1 PM.

Private burial will be in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

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