Obituaries
Sheryl Lee Busby, 80, beloved mother and grandmother, died at 11:05 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2023, at her home at Independence Village.
She was born Feb. 10, 1943, in Burlington, Iowa, to LeVerne and Gladys Young and spent most of the first half of her life in London Mills. She later moved to Canton, then finally Peoria. She lived many years at 104 W. Northridge Lane with her husband, Lee, before they moved to Independence Village in November 2018.
Sheryl is survived by two children, Michael (Lyn) Cecil of Farmington and Kristy Harris of Peoria; six grandchildren, Maggie (David) Connell and Jonah Cecil, both of Farmington, Alexis Harris of Peoria, Cassie (Chris Steder) Cecil of Monroe Center, Samantha (Ty) Cornmesser of LaGrange, Ky., and Andrew (Ashley) Cecil of Rochelle; two step-grandchildren, Roger Teel of Monmouth and T.J. Chesnut of Vienna, WV; and two great-grandchildren, Michael and Echo Cecil.
She was preceded in death by one son, Craig Cecil of Peoria; her husband Lee; one brother, Jim Young of Casper, Wyo., two sisters, Carol Tinder of Gilson and Barbara Leverton of Freeport; and her parents of London Mills.
Sheryl married Lee Busby on Aug. 22, 2007, after a many-years-long "engagement." They were avid boaters and spent most weekends each Spring through Fall plying the Illinois River with family and friends. They especially loved it when their grandchildren could come along, spoiling them with sodas, food and all kinds of treats while onboard. Lee steered the boat, but Sheryl was the unofficial captain. They sometimes took overnight trips either up or down river, but also enjoyed just sitting on their boat dockside at the IVY Club in Peoria Heights.
After Lee suffered a stroke in 2005 and was confined to a wheelchair, Sheryl took care of him at home for 13 years, often refusing doctors who suggested she move him to a nursing facility. When she finally agreed, Sheryl moved along with Lee and continued overseeing his care until his death on Sept. 3, 2021.
Sheryl loved to shop and enjoyed surprising her children and grandchildren with gifts throughout the year. No clothing sale at Bergner's, Famous Barr or TJ Maxx ever went unnoticed. She especially enjoyed Christmas family gatherings and passing out the piles of gifts under her tree.
She was passionate about gardening in her many flower beds and loved to have flowers and plants inside her home. No one ever had a greener thumb. She also enjoyed crafting, including painting pictures and birdhouses.
As a teen-ager, she worked as a waitress in a London Mills cafe operated by her parents. Later, she worked in the office at Admiral's in Galesburg, but then spent many years in the payroll department at International Harvester in Canton until it closed. She retired from Illinois Mutual in Peoria, where Lee also worked.
Sheryl previously was married to Larry Cecil, with whom she had her three children. He survives in Canton.
Her family would like to thank all the staff at Independence Village, Care Solutions and ComfortPlus Hospice for their good humor and great care these past few years. A special thanks to the night staff, who often helped Sheryl order pizzas, buy Diet Coke from the vending machine and kept her safe as she enjoyed being active into the wee hours.
A funeral service will be Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Wright & Salmon Mortuary, with Pastor Stephen Barch officiating. Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. until the time of service at 5 p.m. Cremation rites will be accorded after the services, with burial at a later date at East Midway Cemetery in rural London Mills.
Memorials may be made to the staff activities fund at Independence Village, 1201 W. Northmoor Road, Peoria. IL 61614.
Friends and family may view full obituary and sign the online guestbook by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com
Previous Events
Visitation
31
May
2416 N North St
Peoria, IL 61604
Funeral Service
31
May
2416 N North St
Peoria, IL 61604
