Sherry Lynn Lillis, 65, Passed away, Friday, December 12, 2025 at her home in Lincoln.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck.

Born in Mandan on February 25, 1960, Sherry was the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Stark) Emter. She was raised on the family farm south of Glen Ullin and later moved into town, graduating from Mandan High School in 1978. Throughout her life, Sherry cherished the connections she made, including that with her future husband, Jerry Lillis, whom she set her eyes on and knew that was who she wanted to marry. On February 16, 1991, they were united in marriage at First Lutheran Church in Mandan. In 1993, they welcomed their first son, Mark into their family and also in 1993, Jacob surprised them with an early entrance and that completed Sherry and Jerry’s family.

While she held various positions throughout her career—initially at a bank in Mandan, then at the Bismarck Chamber of Commerce, and ultimately at Action Movers—her true passion lay in nurturing her family and friends and supporting their endeavors.In 1994, Sherry and Jerry built their home in Lincoln, where they created countless memories. An avid reader, skilled crocheter and excellent cook, Sherry took great pleasure in engaging in the activities that brought happiness to those around her. She became an enthusiastic NASCAR fan, captivated by the sport through Jerry’s interests. Sherry also embraced her sons' passions, celebrating Mark's artistic talents and Jacob's musical pursuits.

A lover of the outdoors, Sherry spent many delightful hours fishing with Jerry, as well as tending to her cherished vegetable garden, maintained by Jerry with equal devotion. Her gardens were always adorned with beautiful flowers, a testament to her nurturing spirit.

Sherry is survived by her husband, Jerry Lillis; their sons, Mark Lillis of Lincoln and Jacob Lillis of Phoenix, Arizona; her brothers, Joe Emter and Kelly (Ruth Snider) Emter, all of Mandan; her sister-in-law, Diane (Andy Heinle) Lillis of Bismarck; her brothers-in-law, Steve Lillis of Rapid City, Bob (Danita) Lillis of Mandan, and Rich (Arlene) Lillis of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; as well as her step-brothers, Jeff (Ranae) Grasto of Big Lake, Minnesota, and Jay (Melissa) Grasto of McCloud, North Dakota. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, including Kayla Emter Bernfeld and Michael Emter, with whom she shared many cherished moments.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jack and Eileen Lillis; her mother-in-law, Jean Lillis; and her sisters, Donna Stair and Linda Kress.