©Worthington Funeral Home
On June 29, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family at home in Rushville, Illinois, Donna Jane Smith Cockerill passed away peacefully. She was 87 years old, a woman of grace, grit, and an endless capacity for love.
Born on July 31, 1937, near Apple Pie Ridge in Bluffs, Illinois, Donna was the daughter of Paul B. and Evelyn Marie (Little) Smith. A bright student, she graduated as the Valedictorian of the 1955 class at Bluffs High School. Soon after, she moved to Champaign to work at the University of Illinois Department of Agriculture, where fate introduced her to Vernon L. Cockerill, a fellow Bluffs native and veterinary student. The two began carpooling home together on weekends—car rides that soon turned into a lifelong partnership. They were married on June 2, 1956, at the U of I Chapel.
Their journey took them first to Springfield, and in 1958, they settled in Rushville, where they bought a veterinary practice. Together, they built two successful businesses: Schuyler Animal Hospital and Schuyler Laboratories, Inc., the latter growing into an internationally known manufacturer of swine nutritional products. Donna, ever the heart of the operation, managed the company with warmth and integrity, treating each employee as extended family. After Vernon’s passing in 1982, Donna continued to lead with determination before eventually selling the business.
Donna’s life revolved around the people she loved most. She is survived by her four daughters: Robin C. Glenn (El Reno, OK), Debra (Kent) Allen (Jacksonville, IL), Geri (Fred) Ringenberg (Rushville, IL), and Jill Cockerill (Piedmont, MO). Her legacy also lives on through her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren—generations touched by her love, humor, and deep sense of family.
She adored being called “Aunt Sug” by nieces and nephews and held a special place in her heart for her brother-in-law, Leland Littig. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, four sisters, and one great-granddaughter, Sophia Sherrod.
Donna had a zest for life that never waned. Her happiest years, she would say, began at age forty when she discovered her passion for horseback trail riding. Whether riding with her girls at the Paul Findley Trail Ride or attending the August Cross Country Trail Ride in Eminence, MO, her love for the outdoors was undeniable. Her Uncle Clarence once teased, “Donna, you bounce so much on that horse we could put a fat hog between you and the saddle!”
She poured her heart into her home and community. Donna hosted the Little Family Golf Tournament for 15 years and kept the tradition of reunion alive, drawing over 100 relatives annually. Her place in the Sugar Grove neighborhood, purchased in 2005, became her sanctuary—a place filled with flowers, horses, deer, and deep contentment.
Donna was also a woman of strong faith and service. A proud member of Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, she was active throughout Rushville—organizing benefits, community events, and even a peaceful horseback sit-in to protest the closure of Weinberg King State Park. She was known for her hospitality, her legendary cooking, and a basement that served as a haven for teenagers, young adults, and international veterinarians alike.
She was a charter member of the Schuyler Singers, a deaconess at First Presbyterian Church, a Chamber of Commerce member, and a regular at bridge club, lunch gatherings, and cinnamon roll coffee dates at Roger’s Bakery.
Donna Jane Smith Cockerill led a life defined by love, service, laughter, and fierce dedication to family and community. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Sugar Grove United Methodist Church on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM, with Pastor Charla Meyers officiating. Visitation will precede the service from 10:00 AM to noon at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sugar Grove United Methodist Church or the Rushville Saddle Club—two places that were close to Donna’s heart.
Information provided by Worthington Funeral Home.
