On February 27, 2026, Cherry Lauder McIlvain passed away peacefully at her residence in West Des Moines, IA. The cause of death was heart failure. In the spirit in which she had lived her entire life, Cherry had celebrated her 100th birthday on February 2 with cake, balloons, and a special lunch.

There will be a visitation from 10-11:00 AM with a funeral service following at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island. Burial at Center Grove Cemetery, Kirkwood, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Cherry McIlvain Education Scholarship at Monmouth College, the Central High School Scholarship program (Davenport, IA), or the American Cancer Society.

Cherry is preceded in death by her husband, Paul R. McIlvain, her son, Scott L. McIlvain, and her two sisters, Catherine Francis Lauder and Louise Lauder Roos. Cherry is survived by her daughter, Marianne Spalding and husband David Spalding of Ames IA; her grandchildren, Kate Matthews and husband Brian Matthews of Richmond Hill, GA; Craig McIlvain and wife Julia, of Bremen, GA; Andrew Spalding of Boston, MA; and Megan Spalding of Orlando, FL; great-grandchildren Claire McIlvain, Alexander McIlvain, Annabelle Matthews, Joshua Matthews, and Mason Matthews; and her nephews, David MacKenzie and wife Cindy of DeWitt MI and Donald MacKenzie and wife Debbie of Miami FL;. nieces Joan Gustafson and Janet Cook of Moline IL and Jerilynn Powell of Urbana OH.

Cherry was born in Burlington IA on February 2, 1926, the second daughter of Frederick and Catherine (Nicholas) Lauder of Monmouth IL. She was educated in the Monmouth Public Schools, graduating from Monmouth High School in June of 1944. Living one half block from Monmouth College during World War II, Cherry decided education offered more excitement than other choices, and she finished in three years, graduating cum laude in June of 1947. She attended the University of Michigan Law School until her marriage to Paul McIlvain on January 11, 1949.

Cherry was a woman of great energy but, most of all, of endless optimism. She loved and lived each day to its most, always seeing the possibilities ahead and the best in those around her. With great courage and optimism, she embarked on a second career in her 40’s as a teacher. Her first position was teaching 8th grade at JB Young Junior High School in Davenport IA in 1967. She moved to Central High School in 1973 where she taught English and served as Yearbook Advisor until 1986. Continuing with her interest in education, she tutored in literacy programs, first with the Bi State Literacy Council and then the Outreach Program at Broadway Presbyterian Church. She also served as a part-time teacher of English at Black Hawk College until 1992. While working as a fulltime teacher and homemaker, Cherry also found time to complete a master’s degree in English Education from Western Illinois University in 1976.

In retirement, Cherry’s interests centered on family, church, education, and travel. She was a member of Broadway Presbyterian Church in Rock Island, IL for 68 years, serving for many years as Circle Study Coordinator and Church School Coordinator. She also served as a deacon and two terms on the church session. With husband Paul, Cherry was an active and enthusiastic alum of Monmouth College, serving two terms on the Alumni Board and participating in many activities of the college throughout her life. With her two sisters, Catherine and Louise, she worked to help restore The Stewart House, founding home of Kappa Kappa Gamma in Monmouth and participated in the effort to secure national recognition for the house. She served on the board of the Quad City Times Plus 60 organization, encouraging participation in travel and educational events for all seniors in the Quad City area. She was also a member of Chapter GQ of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.wheelanpressly.com.