Sherry Lynn Dilla, 75, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away peacefully surrounded by love on Sunday, March 15, 2026. If you knew Sherry, you knew she never did anything halfway, and her life was as colorful and spirited as the jewelry she loved to wear.
Sherry was born on August 3, 1950, in Chillicothe, Missouri, to Emma Helen Marie Hicks and Adrian McCracken. Her early childhood was spent under the loving care of her grandmother, Sallie “Granny” Hicks, who helped raise her during her first twelve years. At age twelve, Sherry moved to Dallas, Texas, with her mother, where life would take her through many chapters, some difficult, some joyful, but always lived in her own unmistakable way. Over the years, Sherry worked many different jobs, from bartending to pressing clothes. In 1994, she became disabled, but she never lost the personality that made her uniquely Sherry.
On November 29, 1991, she married Robert E. Dilla, the love and steady partner of her life. Robert cared for Sherry with unwavering devotion and loyalty, always putting her first and making sure she never wanted for anything. Through the years, he provided the stability, patience, and love that allowed Sherry to finally put down roots. Their bond was strong, resilient, and built on deep commitment.
Sherry was the mother of Randall Pardue of Florida, Rodney Pardue (Anna) of Texas, and Rhonda Pardue Bullmaster (Edward) of Missouri. She was also a proud grandmother to six grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Tristyn Pitard, Katelyn Bullmaster, Rodney “Samuel” Pardue, Edward Bullmaster, Macy Vogt, and Tyler Pardue. While she loved all of her grandchildren deeply, she shared especially close relationships with those who lived nearer to her.She had three great-grandchildren, with a fourth on the way.
Sherry had a personality that was impossible to miss. She loved Christmas, Westerns, shopping, and jewelry that sparkled just as brightly as she did. She could often be heard singing “You Are My Sunshine” or “O Christmas Tree” to anyone within earshot, whether they wanted a concert or not. In recent years, she discovered Snapchat filters, which she declared one of the greatest inventions ever made, often laughing hysterically at the results.
Sherry faced many struggles throughout her life, including health challenges and personal hardships. Yet she remained resilient, spirited, and capable of great love. Those who knew her best will remember her humor, her bold personality, and the unforgettable moments she created simply by being herself. After carrying the loss of her mother and sister for many years, Sherry now finds peace reunited with them.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Larry McCracken and Loretta “Randy” Martinez; and many loved ones she carried in her heart.
Sherry is survived by her devoted husband, Robert E. Dilla; her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and her siblings Adrian McCracken, Bryant McCracken, Candace Sue Esterbrook, and Barbara Bryant.
And if she were here to say one last thing, it might simply be the words she loved to sing so often: “You are my sunshine.”
Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2026 at Rupp Funeral Home. Chaplain Karen Palmer officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will follow service at Memorial Park Cemetery.
