Tamira S. Squier

In the early morning hours of June 2, 2025, Sandra Tamira Squier passed away. She was born Sandra Joyce Horney on May 15,1938 to Ruth Clark Horney and Ray Horney of Bowen, Illinois. She spent her childhood with family in the small farming towns of western Illinois, in and near Quincy. As a little girl, she loved dancing and mother Ruth got her set with lessons in tap, ballet, and more. She also loved, from her earliest years to her latest, her Pekinese pups.

As a young lady she moved with Ruth to Pekin, Illinois. Tammy lived every decade of her adult life in Pekin. She gave birth to her son Joseph there less than one block from beautiful Mineral Springs Park where, decades later, she entertained and provided picnics for her dearest granddaughters Emma and Adrienne.

Tammy married Darrell Squier in the late 1950’s and they settled in North Pekin with Joey and a rotating cast of birds and dogs, including Joey’s rescued Muscovy duck from the bowling alley.

Tammy’s dedication to all things pretty included getting dolled up with fancy hair, and bright jewelry and clothing. Her family’s favorite get up is still the very tall beehive hairdo, done to a T during the ’60’s. Along with best pal Deb, she devoted over three decades of doing other folk’s hair over at The Talk of the Town salon in Pekin. Word is the walls are still buzzing. All those who knew Tammy well knew her sharp wit and mind. She wasn’t lacking for an opinion. She wasn’t shy for having a good time, whether a meal out at Ernie’s, shopping around town, or the occasional fall festival drives.

She claimed her best trips were those taken to Champaign to enjoy holidays and weekends with son Joseph, daughter-in-law Cheryl, and beloved granddaughters Emma and Adrienne, who joyfully returned the favor of entertainment with drama productions throughout the years. Tammy cherished those moments, along with festive Christmas mornings, birthday celebrations, and more.

Tammy spent her last few years in central Illinois near dear cousins David & Marcia Johnson. She was deeply grateful for all the care and support they provided. Joseph, Cheryl, and family felt fortunate to have such tender and regular visits in Tammy’s final years.

The family expresses their deepest gratitude to the genuinely kind and most loving caregivers at Shelbyville Senior Care Center. She was lucky to have each of you.

Tammy, we will enjoy a strawberry milkshake every May 15th, and we will think of you with a grin and good cheer!

The family is in the process of arranging a private graveside service. Howe and Yockey Funeral Home ins Shelbyville, IL, is assisting the family.