Tricia Deann Schmahl, 56, of Moweaqua, formerly of Macon, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2026 in her home. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and an infectious positive attitude.

Private graveside services will be officiated by Rev. Wally Carlson and held in Macon Cemetery, Macon, IL. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at the Macon Community Center. Memorials may be made to Kerby Strong Foundation.

Tricia was born on June 26, 1970, in Decatur, IL the daughter of Wayne M. and Dixie Jo (Damery) Schmahl. Tricia graduated from Macon High School, Class of 1988. She proudly supported her peers on the track team as the team statistician and thoroughly enjoyed welcoming fans at the admissions table during all school events.

An avid sports enthusiast, Tricia spent her life passionately cheering for her beloved Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs, alongside closely following college football and basketball. Her love for sports blossomed early in life, spent watching her Uncle Kerby race at the Macon Speedway.

Affectionately known as the family’s "trivia queen," Tricia possessed an uncanny ability to recall historical family and movie facts and details. She found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, including reading, solving word search puzzles, and immersing herself in Disney and Hallmark movies. She was also a dedicated collector, curating an extensive collection of clowns and Precious Moments figurines over the years.

Above all, Tricia’s heart belonged to her family. She was always the first to volunteer to babysit, dedicating her time not only to her nieces and nephews but to her cousins as well. Her nieces and nephews brought her tremendous joy, holding a deeply special place in her heart. Tricia will be forever remembered for her radiant smile, her unyielding optimism, and the warmth she brought to everyone who knew her.

Surviving are her parents; Wayne and Dixie Schmahl of Moweaqua, IL; sisters: Marti Jo (BJ) Minott of Moweaqua, IL and Tara (Brad) Field of Effingham, IL; brother, Matthew (Kristy) Schmahl of Decatur, IL; grandfather Jesse (Ruthie) Schmahl of Decatur, IL; and nephews: Kolton Minott of Pearl City, HI and Yeager (Hailey) Minott of Stuttgart, Germany; nieces: Lyndi (Adam) Minott-Patrick of Stuttgart, Germany, Payton Field of Effingham, IL, and Madeline (Krysta) Hedrick of Marysville, WA; and great-nieces and nephews: Duke & Dallas Minott and Evertt & Rhys Hedrick.

Preceding her in death are her grandparents, Cecil and Esther Damery and Nancy (Baker) Schmahl Hocker; and her Uncle Kerby Damery.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Elara Caring & Hospice, Dr. Alison Bilyeu, and caregivers Dana, Whitney, Kristen, and Kate for their kindness, compassion, and loving care.