Sue Ellen Zarate, 80, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 8:52 A.M. Sunday April 28, 2024, at Watseka Rehab and Health Care Center. She was born June 17, 1943, in Hoopeston, IL, the daughter of Jeff and Dora (Burton) Floyd. She married George Lee Pickett, and he preceded her in death. She later married Steve Zarate and he preceded her in death.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, and three brothers.
She is survived by her children, Wade Pickett of Hoopeston, IL, Jeff Pickett of Champaign, IL, Tammy Woods of Danville, IL, Lori Rouse of Danville, IL, Brian (Lisa) Pickett of Potomac, IL, and Mandy Caraballo of Danville, IL; eleven grandchildren, Ryan, Derrick, Brittaney, James, Elizabeth, Travis, Brittani, Ramon Jr, Christopher, Cameron, and Anna; three step-grandchildren, Aaron, Michelle, and Edward Gene; eleven great-grandchildren, Marc, Mia, Maddison, Ke’Vontea, Zariana, Austin, Zachariah, Kaitlyn, Kenzie, Alex, and Abby; four step-great-grandchildren, Kenley, Preston, Marishka, Evageline, Victoria, Zoe, and Gabreial; one great-great-grandchild, Ezekiel; and six nieces and nephews, Pam Lindsey, Patricia Pickett, and Eugene, Doug, Steven, and John Cross.
Sue worked in various places throughout her life including Mr. L’s Steakhouse and Howard Industries. She later worked at Jerry’s IGA and McDonald’s. She was a member of the Moose Lodge in both Danville and Hoopeston. Sue enjoyed listening to country music, collecting clowns, and was an avid Illinois basketball fan. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.
A visitation will be held 3:00 – 4:00 P.M. Thursday May 2, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. Following the visitation, cremation rites will be accorded.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Sue to the American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 for cancer research.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Sue’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.
Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.
