Sherri Ann Drauden

Sherri Ann Drauden, 54, of Galesburg, IL, passed away at 1:24 a.m., Sunday, January 1, 2017 at her home in Galesburg.

She was born on December 17, 1962 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Ned and Tamara (Dennis) Hippensteel. Sherri was raised and educated in Galesburg, she graduated Galesburg High School in 1981, where she played volleyball and was a member of the Gadet Squad. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology & Social Work from Eastern Illinois University in 1985.

Sherri met Thomas C. Drauden in Tempe, AZ, where she worked as a social worker for Maricopa Co. She married Tom in Galesburg, IL on September 17, 1988. They later moved back to Galesburg in 2002. Sherri worked as a Social Service Advocate at Western Illinois Service Coordination in Macomb, IL.

Sherri had a huge heart that was seen by everyone. She would light up a room when she walked in. Sherri had 3 beautiful children that she was so proud of and her first granddaughter on the way that she already loved. Sherri loved going to Virginia with her loving husband Tom for their anniversary. She loved walking on the warm sandy beach, the smell of the ocean, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. Sherri loved to watch football and always looked forward to the Super Bowl. She always enjoyed watching the cooking channel for new recipes to try for her family. Sherri also loved to watch scary movies with her kids or just to pass the time. She was a supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Surviving Sherri is her husband Thomas Drauden, three children; Paige (Zach) Drauden-Leihenseder, Cody Ned Drauden, Charles Riley Drauden, and future granddaughter Hadley Leihenseder all of Galesburg. Also surviving is her father Ned Hippensteel of Galesburg, her mother, Tamara Hippensteel of Galesburg; her grandmother, Josephine Dennis of Galesburg; one sister, Stefani (Mark) Gillen of Monmouth, IL; niece, Addison Gillen, and nephew, Jackson Gillen, both of Monmouth.

Sherri was preceded in death by her grandparents.

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, January 7, 2017 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Drauden’s Home (437 North Prairie St., Galesburg, IL 61401). Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials can be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, the Alzheimer’s Association, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth is in charge of the arrangements. For more information please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.