Cherie Ann Tracy

Cherie Ann was born at the family farm on December 4, 1934, in Ohio Grove Township to Ray & Irene Brown. She married Norman Tracy on September 25, 1955. They farmed together in Ohio Grove Township until their retirement in 2001. Cherie also spent time working for The National Bank of Aledo, Hawthorne Ridge Golf Course, and Wal-Mart. Cherie and Norman enjoyed traveling together, especially to Marco Island, Florida. In later years, she was a devoted caretaker to Norman, prior to his death in 2010.

Cherie said that music spoke to her heart and soul, and she thanked God for blessing her with music for the purpose of spreading joy to others. She recently played a final song on her baby grand piano only a few days ago. “The Brown Trio” was a big part of her early years and consisted of her sister Rita and Aunt Mamie Lou. They sang at many events as well as on TV. Her children remember growing up and experiencing many Saturday night jam sessions with Cherie's brother, Steve. Cherie also shared her music as a church organist for 67 years, playing for many weddings, funerals, schools, and community events.

Faith, family, and friends were Cherie’s life. She was a tireless servant through music, serving on the church Women’s Association, being a Sunday School teacher, and helping anyone in need by preparing meals or driving them to appointments. Cherie enjoyed baking, dancing, games, tending flowers, and life at their lake with family and friends.

Those left to cherish Cherie’s memory include her children and spouses: Kim (Kim) Tracy of East Moline; Lori (Rick) Boruff of Monmouth, IL; and Patti (Vince) VanGetson of Aledo. Grandchildren: Clinton J (Nicole) Tracy, Heather Tracy, Bradley (Lindsay) Tracy, Rye Boruff, Rusty (Brook) Boruff, Carli (Bob) Robison, Jesse (Alyssa) Hanson, and Noah Hanson. Great-grandchildren: Malorie, Jed, Bo, Cole, Luca, Tannen, Ezekiel, Everlee, Isabelle, Jonah, Oliver, Elodie, Sawyer, Barrett, and one lovingly expected; siblings: Steve (Rhonda) Brown of Aledo and Suzanne (Doug Ramer) of New Boston. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray & Irene Brown; her husband, Norman; their son, Barry Gene Tracy; her sister, Rita Pickett; her granddaughter, Barrie Sue Hanson; and a special friend, Gordon Cooper.