Sharon R. "Sherry" Killian, 84, of Washington, passed away at her home with her loving family at her side on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Sherry was born on September 21, 1941, in Madison, WI, the daughter of John and Ruth (Reynolds) Walters.

Sherry graduated from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, and she went on to become a teacher in her early career, where she also coached cheerleading and dance.  Sherry married Patrick Killian on October 18, 1980, in Peoria; they shared nearly 24 years together until he preceded her in death in February of 2004.  Later Sherry would work in sales and then fundraising for the American Red Cross, St. Ann's Catholic Church in Peoria, and was heavily involved in the Washington Chamber of Commerce.  Sherry was a devout and active member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Peoria; she helped train lectors for reading during masses and served as a eucharistic minister.  She also enjoyed golfing and traveling to Siesta Key every year with her friend Brenda.

Sherry was an animal lover; she loved dogs and would travel to show her Old English Sheepdogs.  Mostly Sherry loved to be with her family and loved to share her excellent cooking with family and friends.

Sherry is survived by her daughter and caregiver Stefanie Sueltz of Washington, her son Jared Anderson of Washington, son Michael (Belinda) Killian of Bloomington, daughter Maureen (Javier) Killian-Larios of Seal Beach, CA, son Patrick (Cathy) Killian of Woodridge, IL, and son Cristopher Killian of Fresno, CA.  Her grandchildren: Taylor (Anthony) Butler-Gremminger, Aiden Killian, Maura Kieckhafer, Victoria Killian, Gabriella Killian, Alaina Killian, Alexandria Hanson, Kathleen, Morgan, Erin, and Matthew Laurios, Jackson (Hayley) Hanssen, and Jacqlin Killian, 5 great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Marian (Ed King) Killian-King, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Sherry was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son Patrick Anderson, and a daughter Erin Hanssen.

To honor her wishes, cremation rites for Sherry have been accorded. The family will host an Irish wake at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 5-8:00 pm.  A memorial mass celebrated by Rev. Jeremy Freehill will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 10:00am at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Peoria.  A private inurnment will take place at St. Mary of Lourdes Cemetery in Germantown Hills.

Those who wish may leave memorials in Sherry's name to American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, or to the Humane Society.