She passed peacefully January 1st, 2023 at The Arbors at Monterey Village in Lawrence, Kansas from Frontotemporal Dementia.
Connie was born on February 19th, 1954 to Adolph & Gertrude Jacobsen Arp.
She graduated from Sioux City Central High in 1972.
Connie married Lester Tillman Jr in Sioux City, Iowa. They later divorced.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Briar Cliff University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa.
Connie went on to focus her work on those she found most needing help, in various school districts in Iowa and New Mexico.
She enjoyed beading, attending powwows, and spending time with her friends and grandkids.
Connie is survived by her children, Lester Tillman III, Celeste Tillman, and Tanaeya Tillman, grandchildren Keirian Tillman & Jalen Jacobe Tillman, and her sister Betty Sadler of Waterloo, IA.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, paternal & maternal, mother and father in-law, as well as several other aunts & uncles.
Her final resting place will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, in Sioux City, IA on July 31st, 2023 at 3PM in the Sunrise garden.
I had the pleasure to Meet Connie at my husband Reunion. She captured my heart and We called each other cousins. Connie had a heart of gold and I will always keep her in my heart.We would talk like We knew each other for every ♥️. It was so natural and I would call her when I had a chance. I know Connie has made many friends in Heaven and I’m jealous of that because I miss her so much.I know Heaven needed an other Angel.Connie I love you and I know you’re happy now not fighting the ugly disease. You keep watching Us and We will meet again. Love Minnie Skovbo
To Lester, Celeste, and Tanaeya,
When my mom informed me of Aunt Connie’s passing, she mentioned that we (my siblings and I) were quite fond of her. Almost all my interactions with Aunt Connie were as a child. I remember spending the night at your house as a kid, watching Rimmon and Lester flame torch bugs with hair spray, waking up to a kitten breathing in my face, and sitting on top of the roof (or watching one of you do it, haha). I remember your mom’s presence more than anything. Your mom reminded me of my own mom: outgoing, down-to-earth, and like my mom, the mother of one son and two daughters. I am so sorry for your loss. You all have been in my thoughts and are in prayers.
With love,
Rebecca (Marshall) Fagan
Celeste, Tanaeya, and Lester, I pray the Holy One brings you comfort and healing during your time of mourning and loss. Aunt Connie made a great impression on me and she left me with good and funny memories. She always opened her home to me. May her memory be a blessing! G-d Bless!
Jim and I send our condolences to each of you! I was blessed for a lovely passage in time to know Connie and experience many wonderful adventures. Connie was so brave and so full of worldly knowledge and had a heart filled with warmth and caring for those in need beyond what the normal world could provide. She provided the love and magic of a radiant heart. Connie will be remembered with love and I had such appreciation for her amazing sense of humor. Our best Lester, Cecelia, and Tanaya and your respective family members.; and to Betty who shared some of the pain and suffering that Connie dealt with. I will remember the laughter and the lovely weekends we spent beading the hours away creating our masterpieces.
Sending my love strength and blessings to your family and so many prayers of guidance .my condolences to each of you I will truly miss her .she is our new angel..and will no longer have to struggle that ugly disease