Susan Kay Herring

Born in Peoria, Illinois, on July 14, 1947, she was the daughter of Walter and Theoclete Peplow. Sue was a fun, energetic, and vibrant force who dedicated her life to her family, literacy, and community progress.

Sue’s lifelong love for books began in childhood, sparked by her mother reading to her every night and their weekly visits to the West Bluff branch of the library. After volunteering in high school and working in her university library, she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western Illinois University. Sue began her professional career at the Peoria Public Library (PPL) in 1972 as a reference librarian. Driven to advance, she balanced full-time work and raising two small children to earn her master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Illinois.

Over a distinguished 35-year career at PPL, Sue climbed the ranks from reference librarian to Head of Outreach Services, where she fiercely championed library access for nursing homes, retirement centers, and underserved youth at the Taft Homes Study Center. She then served as Assistant Director before being appointed Director of the Peoria Public Library in 1993, a position she held until her retirement at age 56. She successfully guided the library system through its massive technological transformation from manual paper logging into the modern computer age.

Her passion for community spaces and public service extended far beyond her employment. In retirement, Sue served on the board of the East Peoria Library, where she was instrumental in raising funds to build their brand-new facility. She also lent her leadership and energy to the boards of Planned Parenthood, WTVP/Channel 47, the Alliance Library System Advisory Council, the Illinois Library Association, and the United Way Fund Distribution Panel, and was a dedicated member of the Rotary Club.

When she wasn't serving her community, Sue was an avid golfer and a familiar face on the greens as a member of the women's golf league at the Mount Hawley Country Club. A passionate traveler, she explored Canada, Hawaii, and China, and cherished spending her winters soaking up the sun at her home in Tucson, Arizona.

Sue is survived by her two children, Chris Schulze and Amanda Schulze; her daughter-in-law, Julie Schulze; and her grandchildren, Katie Schulze and Henry Herring. She is also survived by her exceptionally dear caretaker, Tracy Catton, who provided devoted companionship and care for more than 20 years and remained by Sue's side until the very end.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband William H. Herring; her sisters, Elizabeth Peplow and Madeline Peplow; and her brother, Walter Theodore Peplow.

A visitation service will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. at Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. There will be a private graveside service.