Pawnee — With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our dear mother, daughter, sister, fiancé and friend, Jill Karen (Utterback) Burwitz, of Pawnee. Born on April 16, 1973, Jill will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, style and devotion to family.

Jill graduated from Gibson City High School in 1991 and from Illinois State University in 1997. She served as a reporter for WICS-TV Channel 20, as a spokesperson for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Indiana Department of Transportation, and as public relations director for Creative Inc., among other career roles.

Jill taught those around her the true meaning of family: that it is built not just on blood, but on being present. Jill was always there for her children, who outgrew her in height, but were never too big for her hugs. As a daughter and sister, she was someone who could be counted on through life's ups and downs. As a partner, she was full of sass and support. To her nephews, she was the fun aunt who made every gathering enjoyable, remembered the little things, and offered hugs and pinches alike.

Though our hearts ache, we find comfort in knowing that her spirit remains with us in every act of kindness and love we share in her memory.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Kung-Tze "Ellie" Utterback, with whom she now reunites in eternal life.

She poured endless love into raising her children, Mia Burwitz of Austin, Texas, and Brock Burwitz of Knoxville, Tennessee. Jill is also survived by her father, Michael (Janet) Utterback, of rural Gibson City; fiancé, Larry Warrington, of Pawnee; sister, Sheila Utterback (Bill), of Bloomington; and stepsisters, Jennifer Porter of rural Gibson City and Kristen (Joey) Porter Basu of Carmel, Indiana.

Thank you to the medical professionals at the Springfield Clinic, Mayo Clinic and Springfield Memorial Hospital, and to her hospice angels.

Jill will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Cremation rites were accorded. Jill's family will meet friends from 9 a.m. until the time of a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Pawnee United Methodist Church in Pawnee, with Pastor Heju Cha officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Pawnee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pawnee Food Pantry, P.O. Box 304, Pawnee, IL 62558.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is honored to serve the family of Jill Burwitz. Online condolences may be shared at www.curryfh.com.