Amanda M. Gill

Amanda M. Gill, 42, of New Baden, passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, after a courageous fight with cancer. And let’s be honest — cancer sucks.

Born on June 17, 1983, at Scott Air Force Base, Amanda grew up in New Baden, where in her younger years you could often find her singing her heart out with the children’s choir at First Baptist Church of New Baden. A proud graduate of Wesclin Sr. High School Class of 2001, Amanda’s smile and laugh were unforgettable even then.

For more than 20 years, Amanda dedicated herself to her work as a Direct Support Professional at Clinton Manor Living Center. Clinton Manor wasn’t just her job — it was her second home. She was deeply dependable, the kind of coworker and caregiver you could always count on, and the residents adored her. Her compassion, her humor, and her way of making everyone feel special left an imprint that will be felt for years to come.

Amanda lived life turned up loud. Concerts — check. Local bands with her friends — check. Her car was basically a rolling jukebox thanks to her giant CD collection, and she could jam out to just about anything. Music of every kind was the soundtrack to her days. When she wasn’t dancing to music or hollering for her Kansas City Chiefs, she was sinking shots for her teammates on her pool and washer leagues.

Wherever there was laughter, fun, or friendship, Amanda was right there in the middle of it. And through it all, to her, friends were family, and she never made a distinction between the two. She loved big, and she loved well.

She is survived by her aunts, Carol J. (Allen) Horcher of Belleville and Barbara A. Gill of Fairview Heights, along with countless friends who were truly family in every way that mattered. Amanda was preceded in death by her mother, Jodi Gill, and her grandparents, Henry and Shirley Gill, whose love helped shape her remarkable life.

Visitation will be held at Nordike Funeral Home on Monday, September 15, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 6:00 PM.

Amanda’s legacy is one of loyalty, laughter, and love — a reminder to live life with joy, show up for each other, and never skip the concert.

In memory of Amanda, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and will be received at the funeral home.