Sally Marie Oelrichs

   Sally M. (Warren) Oelrichs passed away at age 60 peacefully in her home of Sterling, Il on February 26, 2026 with her family by her side. Sally was born on March 28, 1965 to a loving father James E. Warren and mother Bernice M. Warren in Sterling, II.

   Sally was a graduate of Rock Falls High School, Class of 1983 where she met her life long best friend Colleen Berogan. Sally met Mark J. Oelrichs of Sterling, Il on a blind date that turned into the story of high school sweethearts. Sally and Mark married on July 12, 1986 and they had one Son, Adam M. Oelrichs in 1999, about a year after the purchase of their forever home. She built a career for herself at National Manufacturing where she spent 28 as a customer service representative where she used her natural charm and wit to meet clients and make sales. Sally spent her years becoming a die hard NASCAR fan and she also became an honorary Eagle Scout through her son Adam by spending years between campsites and racetracks always supporting and loving her Husband and Son and making many life long friends along the way. In 2015 she received her first cancer diagnosis of BRCA1, which is a genetic variant of breast cancer and was able to go into remission after years of fighting. In 2020, Sally had a fall that in diagnosis of her injuries, it was found the cancer was back and had spread. Sally spent years being a fighter, never letting her diagnosis define her. She spent her last years doing what she had always done and loved such as traveling, going to as many NASCAR races as possible and never letting anything slow her down.

   Sally is survived by her mother Bernice M. (Bartz) Warren of Sterling, her husband Mark J Oelrichs of Sterling, her son Adam (Alexis) Oelrichs of Dubuque and many friends turned family that will carry on her light and memory.

   Sally was preceded in death by her father James E. Warren, her in-laws Ralph I. Oelrichs and Phylis E. (Frank) Oelrichs and the other members of family who passed due to this genetic cancer mutation.

   Visitation will be 5PM-8PM Friday March 6, 2026 at Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation. Funeral services will be 11AM Saturday March 7, 2026 at Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation. There will also be a visitation one hour prior to the funeral service from 10AM-11AM on Saturday March 7, 2026.

   A memorial has been established to City of Hope Cancer Center.

   Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com