Fannie McKillip, 95, of Galesburg, Illinois, died December 23, 2025, at Allure of Knox County.
She was born at home in rural Marshall County, Illinois, on May 20, 1930, to Roy and Ruby Lewis. She married Joseph McKillip on May 5, 1956, in St. Patrick’s Church in Galesburg, Illinois.
Fannie was a homemaker who, together with her husband, lovingly raised four children. She was an artistic person creating decorated cakes, oil paintings, pysanky (Ukrainian style) eggs, decorated sugar eggs, various candies, quilts, oil paintings, jewelry, ceramics, beaded projects, and wax ornaments. Some of her work was featured in the Register-Mail newspaper.
She was a wonderful cook, interested in trying new recipes for her family.
Fannie was a long-time member of The OAKS Senior Center, serving for a period of time on the board. She was also a member of The Catholic Order of the Foresters.
Those left to cherish her memory are sons and daughters: Patrick (Laura) McKillip, Theresa (Michael) Yoerger, and Francis McKillip (Racheal, deceased); son-in-law Keith Watson; grandchildren: Greg (Marissa), Joel, Brian, and Scott McKillip; Ashley Yoerger; Ann (Brian) Kingsbury, Christopher, and Brenda Watson; Kristie Lewis (Garrett Cummins); and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Fannie was preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings, and daughter, Mary Watson.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2026, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Both will be held at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home in Galesburg. Deacon Michael Crummer will officiate. Following the service burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Galesburg.
Memorials may be made to The OAKS Senior Center or the organization of the donor’s choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
