Sarile Kay McLerran, 88, ended her earthly struggle and entered Heaven on August 27, 2023. She is survived by three daughters, Shannon, Tammy, Kellie and son Kevin: 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, brother and sister, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bryce McLerran and daughter-in-law Kristin McLerran.
Sarile was born on October 23, 1934, to Herbert and Thelma Gilliland in Stoy, Illinois. Sarile & Bryce were married in 1954, starting their family in Salem Illinois, later moving to Gap, Pennsylvania in 1970.
In Salem, Sarile was an active member of the First Baptist Church where she participated in choir and made many close friends. She enjoyed helping with special needs children at the local school and was a Girl Scout leader with her sister, Barbara. As a young mother of 3 girls, she shared her love of sewing with her family. She was especially known for their beautiful holiday dresses.
In Gap Pa, Sarile welcomed her son to the family. Now a mother of 4, she was an active member of Bellevue Presbyterian Church and the Mary Ferree Society. Sarile’s talent and passion for sewing resulted in her opening a yarn and fabric shop, first in Gap and then at Kitchen Kettle Village. She also sewed costumes for numerous school musicals and plays, and gave tours at White Chimneys. She generously shared her love of sewing and baking with her children and grandchildren.
Sarile was a talented artist, decorator and hostess, inviting friends and family to her beautiful homes in Gap, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and later, the Florida Gulf Coast. Friends and family were often gifted with thoughtful, hand painted pieces of driftwood and crab baskets; never leaving with an empty stomach and always a full heart.
Sarile was a fun-loving grandmother, bonding with her grandchildren through competitive games of cards, making the mundane seem magical and the simple feel special. She will be remembered as a generous person, a gracious friend, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Burial will be at Paradise Cemetery in Salem, IL.
