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Ralph Pickerill

Ralph Pickerill, 86, of Pekin, went to be at rest with his Lord on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at his residence. Born in Martinsburg on September 19, 1938, he was the son of the late Joseph Wilbur and Helen (Feiock) Pickerill. On August 20, 1964, he married Mary (Gilbert) Pickerill, who survives.

Ralph retired after 36 years with Ford Motor Company as a UAW Carpenter. He was a retired Tyson chicken farmer, raised cattle, and was the founder of Pickerill Hill. He served as a school board member for East Washington High School and the East Washington Water Corp. He was a member of Highway Church in Pekin. Ralph also served his country in the United States Army.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary; his 4 children: Kevin Pickerill, Melea Martin (Jeff), Melinda Newcomb (Chuck), and Melissa Pickerill (Greg Tush); 2 sisters: Judy Pickerill (Jim Perchik) and Jean Thompson (Don); 10 grandchildren: Rachel Pickerill (Ryan Cohee), Tyler Pickerill (Zach Sholar), Jordan Riddle, Jacob Riddle, Kelin Nicholson, Aaron Nicholson, Kaleb Nicholson (Rachel), Christian Newcomb, Carson Newcomb (Kayla), and Micaela Newcomb; and 14 great-grandchildren: Harper Cohee, Walker Cohee, Cadence Pickerill, Faith Riddle, Grace Riddle, Brayden Nicholson, Easton Nicholson, Adalyn Nicholson, Brycen Nicholson, Dawson Nicholson, Amylia Nicholson, Salem Newcomb, Hayden Newcomb and Haven Newcomb.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Wilbur and Helen Pickerill; his brother, Larry Dean Pickerill; 2 sisters, Joyce Thompson and JoAnn Leonard; and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Nicholson.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m. at Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home – Pekin Chapel. Visitation will be on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home.