Dena Carole Kilman, 88, of Sparta, IL; born August 10, 1938 in Sparta, IL, the daughter of Prentiss “Pete” and Geraldine (née, Gegel) Dickey; passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Memorial Hospital East in Shiloh, IL.
Dena made friends wherever she went; she was a stranger to no one. She enjoyed spending time with her family and beloved dog she had in her life for eleven years, Murphy. Dena always looked forward to spending time with her friends and going on trips with her family.
Dena is survived by her children – Cheryl Traut of Morehead City, NC, Mark (wife, Paula) Kilman of Three Way, TN, and David Kilman of Sparta, IL; four grandchildren – Andrew Myers, Joseph Myers, Bryan (wife, Zoe) Kilman, and Richard (wife, Anna) Kilman; one great grandchild – Calian Kilman; other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband – Donald G. Kilman; brother – Alvin Dickey and sister-in-law – Janet Dickey.
It was her wish to be cremated with a celebration of life held at a later date.
Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL is in charge of arrangements.
Jim and I are thinking of you all throughout this difficult times. Sending our prayers and Sympathy to all of the families. We really enjoyed her laughter and fellowship with her friends and daughter when we went out to eat.
ReplySo sorry, sending you all hugs gone from your hearts but not from your hearts.
ReplyCarole always made us smile. She was a joy!
ReplySo sorry sending hugs, gone from your sights but not from your hearts 🩷
ReplyGreat picture of a great lady and true friend. We will miss you Dena
ReplyMy sincere condolences Cheryl, Mark and David. Your mother was such a kind person to know. I met her when the family moved to Marissa. She always had a smile on her face and made you feel that you were important to her. The last time I saw her was about a month ago. She was just going into Rice & Fries for dinner. We stood in the parking lot and talked for about 20 minutes. Loved her and will miss her.
ReplyThinking of you Cheryl and family. I always enjoyed talking with Carole. She was friendly and funny.
ReplyThis site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Thinking of you Cheryl and family. I always enjoyed talking with Carole. She was friendly and funny.
My sincere condolences Cheryl, Mark and David. Your mother was such a kind person to know. I met her when the family moved to Marissa. She always had a smile on her face and made you feel that you were important to her. The last time I saw her was about a month ago. She was just going into Rice & Fries for dinner. We stood in the parking lot and talked for about 20 minutes. Loved her and will miss her.
Great picture of a great lady and true friend. We will miss you Dena
So sorry sending hugs, gone from your sights but not from your hearts 🩷
Carole always made us smile. She was a joy!
So sorry, sending you all hugs gone from your hearts but not from your hearts.
Jim and I are thinking of you all throughout this difficult times. Sending our prayers and Sympathy to all of the families. We really enjoyed her laughter and fellowship with her friends and daughter when we went out to eat.