Cheryl "Cherie" Pate

PEKIN ~ The family of Cheryl “Cherie” Ann Pate (née Liming) suffered an immeasurable loss when her life was taken on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Through the heartbreak of this moment, Cherie is remembered for her wit, her charm, and her knack for getting lost no matter what the map. She was stubborn, resilient, and brave. She was also a dedicated friend, sister, mother, grandmother, and wife.

Cherie was born on November 23, 1944 to Marjorie Hartman and Earl Liming in Bartonville. Having grown up in central Illinois, she went on to make a life there herself, raising her children, Dr. Tiffany Karas (Jackie Zagrans) of Barrington and Brandon Thies (Tania Salem) of Pekin, and becoming deeply immersed in her community. Her children remember her as hardworking and dedicated. She was never without soup in her freezer for a sick or grieving friend, and if you heard the incessant dinging of her iPad, it was one of two things: her social calendar was calling, or she was keeping a streak alive on one of her word games.

Cherie was part of a core group of women who, for more than 50 years, were more than friends—they were chosen family. She was also a pillar of the volunteer community and was well known around town for her stunning hospital league floral arrangements and as director of the annual gift show. Before retiring to focus on community service, Cherie built a career as a call center manager and took great pride in rising through the corporate ranks at a time when it was especially challenging for women to earn respect.

Cherie loved to travel - especially to the beach. She enjoyed gardening, movies, games, and making fun jewelry. Rumor has it that nearly everyone in Pekin has been blessed with at least one of her Christmas cookies, and a table dressed by Cherie was always a work of art. Ever the matriarch, Cherie loved family holidays the most.

Of all her accomplishments, none compare to the immense love she had for her four granddaughters: Olivia, Marin, Madeleine, and Audrey. From the moment her first granddaughter was born, Cherie’s official moniker became “Grandma Cherie,” and from then on, she never met a child that called her anything else. This includes the newest additions to her brood, Alex and Andrew. She loved doing crafts and art projects with the kids, showing no limit to her creativity. She loved to bake and cook, and sleepovers at Grandma Cherie’s have become family lore. She delighted in her grandchildren’s choir concerts, swim meets, volleyball games and theater. Her love, devotion, and recipes, will live on.

Cherie was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Katherine Schneider, and her daughter in law Michelle Thies (Greider).

She is survived by her children, her grandchildren, her brother Gary Liming of St. Louis, her countless dear friends, and her husband Jim.

Her visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. A brief service will follow. There will be a reception celebrating Cherie’s life at Pekin Country Club beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday.

Cherie's family welcomes floral arrangements sent for her service to honor her love of flowers. Memorial contributions may be given to Pekin Hospital League, 600 South 13th Street, Pekin, IL 61554. They thank you for your kind gesture during this time.

To express condolences online visit www.preston-hanley.com