Sandra Sue (Palm) Wilburn
Sandra Sue (Palm) Wilburn, age 82, of Pulaski, Ill., was born to Walter and Ethel (Casad) Palm in South Bend, Ind., on Oct. 5, 1943.
On Friday, Oct. 10, Sandy was called Home to be with Jesus at Mercy Hospital Southeast in Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Sandy attended Clay High School in South Bend, Indiana, and later earned her Associate of Science degree from Shawnee Community College in May 1988.
She married Kenneth Harold Wilburn on Nov. 28, 1970, and together they shared a beautiful life—raising two children of their own and loving a blended family of eleven children in total.
A woman of incredible drive, creativity, and heart, Sandy owned and operated Sandy’s Restaurant in Pulaski, Ill. for many years before beginning her next chapter as Site Manager at Smiles Senior Center in Mounds, Ill. and later became Executive Director of Southern Pride Senior Center.
Years later, she assisted with the opening of the Grand Chain Lodge in Grand Chain, Ill. becoming the first manager. She also ran a family lawn mowing business alongside her children and was known for keeping her own yard perfectly trimmed—she genuinely loved mowing her lawn and took great pride in it.
She was always right alongside her husband and sons at the drag races, cheering them on and making sure everyone was cared for. Later in life, she and Kenny enjoyed operating K & S Resale in Ullin, Ill., where her friendly personality drew in customers who often became friends.
Sandy was a lifelong people person who truly never met a stranger. She loved to talk, laugh, and connect with everyone she met—whether at church, a community event, the grocery store, or at K & S resale. Her heart for others and her ability to make people feel seen and loved were unmatched. She was proud to serve her community and loved volunteering at local events, especially the Pulaski County Fair.
A woman of many joys, Sandy loved hosting reunions, working puzzles, collecting various treasures, outings with family and friends, the occasional trip to the casino, and watching her favorite TV show, ER. She was a wonderful cook and, in her later years, discovered a newfound love for baking. She enjoyed garage sales and desserts of any kind, but most importantly, she loved going to church and spending time with her family and friends. She was a member of Mighty Rivers Regional Worship Center in Cairo, Ill..
Sandy is survived by her children: Jeani McKenna of Dongola, Ill.; Tami McKenna of South Bend, Ind.; and Rex (Teresa) Wilburn of Pulaski, Ill.; stepchildren Kathy (Jim) Warder of Harrisburg, Ill.; Chuck (Nelly) Wilburn of St. James, Mo.; Kenneth Wilburn Jr. of Windham, Ohio; and Shane (Dawn) Gann of Etna Green, Ind; and her sister Kris Taylor of South Bend, Ind.
She was blessed with many grandchildren: Dustin (Megan) Warder of Owensboro, Ky.; Brandy Bridges of Varna, Ill.; Charles (Jessica) Wilburn of St. James, Mo.; Austin Wilburn and Devin Wilburn of Rolla, Mo.; Laura (Andy) Lininger of Garrettsville, Ohio; Megan Wilburn of Streetsboro, Ohiod; Autumn McKenna; Tiffany (Nick) Manges; Anna (Chad) Wolfe, all of Etna Green, Ind.; Megan Smith of Brighton, Tenn.; Daniel (Katelyn) Wilburn of Kansas City, Mo.; JoAnne (Allen) Schmitt of Herrin, Ill.; MJ (Kyla) Ethridge of Perks, Ill.; Crystal Wyatt of Beebe, AR; Allison (Wyatt) Caldwell of Tamms, Ill.; and Trevor Wilburn of Pulaski, Ill. She also leaves behind 30 great-grandchildren—Nicolas Warder, Halle (Cameron) Nash, Gracie Hahn, Preslie Fandel, Peyton Fandel, Mackenzie Elsner, Andrew Swanson, Alex Swanson, Sophia Swanson, Preston Schmitt, Gage Schmitt, TJ Ethridge, Hayden Ethridge, Lilly Ethridge, Caroline Ethridge, Bella Parks, Cary Ray Davis, Ja’Kobe Cunningham, Damaria Cunningham, Diamond Cunningham, McKenna Wolfe, CJ Wolfe, Wynter White, Olivia Manges, Levi Manges, Naomi Manges, Wynnston Wilburn, Kincade Wilburn, Noah Lininger, and Parker Lininger; five great-great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.
She is also survived by her sister-in-law Debra (William) Prowell, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and dear friends Lyn Jones, Rick McGovern, and Joy and Kiara Aden.
Sandy’s love for life extended even to her pets—golden retrievers Waffle and Gigi, and her cats Stinky, Inky, and Butter—who were constant companions and sources of joy.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 46 years, Kenneth Wilburn; sisters Deana Schwarz and Emmalu LaRose; sons Tommy McKenna, James McKenna, and Daniel Wilburn; stepson Jarold (April) Bridges; sister-in-law Barbara (Tom) Allen, and brother-in-law Kevin Klasner.
The funeral service took place Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, at Mighty Rivers Regional Worship Center in Cairo, Ill., with Rev. Larry Potts officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Pulaski, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rose Hill Cemetery, Pulaski, IL - PO Box 147 Villa Ridge, IL 62996.
Her laughter, love and kindness will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew her.
Jones Funeral Home in Villa Ridge, Illinois, is entrusted with arrangements.