Marcella “Sally” (Tieman) Eilers, 102, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 11:05 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia.
Sally was born on August 30, 1924, in Centralia, Illinois, the daughter of Henry F. and Louise (Brink) Tieman. She was a lifelong resident of Centralia.
Sally married Ervin “Andy” Anderson on September 22, 1946, and he preceded her in death on October 1, 1969. She later married M.W. “Bill” Eilers on November 25, 1978, and he preceded her in death on November 25, 2004.
Sally is survived by her six nieces: Nancy Bond and husband Mike of Woodlawn, Illinois, Carolyn Meyer and husband Kevin of Hoyleton, Illinois, Marilyn Guerrieri and husband Robert of Plainfield, Illinois, Ann Duncan and husband John of Lenoir City, Tennessee, Donna Mefford and husband Olin of Florence, Alabama, and Carol Cronister and husband Gary of Athens, Alabama; three nephews: Steven Anderson and wife Jill of Loda, Illinois, Carl Eilers and wife Brenda of Kingsport, Tennessee, and Kenneth Eilers and wife Maggie of Canton, Georgia
Sally is also survived by many great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as several great-great-nieces and nephews and great-great-great-nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.
In addition to her two husbands, Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Henry F. and Louise Tieman, and her sister, Dolores Hake.
Sally enjoyed a long and dedicated career as the chief payroll clerk at Hollywood Brands Company in Centralia, where she worked for over 30 years. Throughout her career, she was known for her dedication and commitment to her work.
She was a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia as well as a lifetime member of the Nu Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Society, where she faithfully served as treasurer for many years. Sally was also a member of the Centralia Cultural Society and the Historical Society and was very active in the Centralia Business and Professional Women’s group.
Sally had a wonderful appreciation for life and especially enjoyed traveling, shopping, dining out, and spending time with her family and friends. She loved playing cards, particularly pinochle, and belonged to several card clubs, where she enjoyed many years of friendship and fellowship.
Above all, Sally cherished her family. She made it a priority to be part of the special occasions and milestones in the lives of her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Her presence at family gatherings and celebrations created countless treasured memories that her loved ones will carry with them for years to come.
Sally lived a remarkable 102 years, witnessing generations of change while remaining devoted to her family, friendships, and community. She will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
Funeral services for Marcella “Sally” Eilers will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia, with Pastor James Henning officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Centralia, where Sally will be laid to rest next to her husband, Ervin “Andy” Anderson.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia.
In memory of Sally, memorial donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or the American Macular Degeneration Research Foundation and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Sally’s family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page. To send flowers, please visit our sympathy store on Sally’s obituary.
