Cherri Lou Wellenreiter, 78, of Jacksonville, Illinois, died Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at her home.

She was born April 13, 1946, in Taylorville, the daughter of Ervil and Muriel Milliman. Cherri married Kenneth Eugene Wellenreiter on July 7, 1966, in New Berlin, and he preceded her in death on April 22, 2019.

She is survived by her children, Melissa (Tedd) Lowe of Jacksonville, Chante Gilmore of Springfield, and Chad (Jennifer) Wellenreiter and Tosha Wellenreiter, both of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Chantel Lowe, Tedd Lowe Jr. (Katie), Jabril (Addie) Evers, Salim (Bailee) Wali-Uddin, Kaylee Wellenreiter (Jacob Stephenson), Cameron (Paige) Fernandes, Miriam (Joe) Acree, Audrey Lowe, and Madison Wellenreiter; great grandchildren, James and Gauge Lowe, Connor, Gabe, and Brittany Lowe, Blakely and Rhett Wali-Uddin, Oliver and Augustus Stephenson, and Wylder Fernandes; siblings, John (Melanie) Milliman of Forsythe and Amie Pounds of Danville (deceased husband, Joe); and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Kenneth Eugene "Gene" Wellenreiter Jr.; and sister, Sandy Byers.

Cherri graduated from Stonington High School in 1965 and then Passavant School of Nursing in 1967. She started working as a registered nurse for the State Hospital in Jacksonville and then later for two private nursing homes as Director of Nursing, as well as an RN for the McFarland Mental Health Center in Springfield. For most of Cherri's nursing career, she was employed by D.C.F.S., where she put in over 25 years.

Cherri and Kenneth served as foster parents to 45 children over a 10-year period. She was a member of The Order of the Eastern Star for 41 years. Cherri enjoyed painting and camping with her family. Most of all, she loved to spoil her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A memorial funeral service will be held at 6 PM Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with the family meeting friends at 5 PM until the time of service. Cherri and Kenneth's cremains will be interred together at Murrayville Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations are suggested to PAWS of Jacksonville. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.