Obituaries
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BEACH, Catherine Eliza - Beardstown Gazette, Aug. 27, 1847
   Died the 23rd, Catherine Eliza, daughter of R.H. and Eliza Beach. She was 12 years old. (Was buried in the old Beardstown City cemetery, and the remains later moved to the present City cemetery.)

BEARD, Alma - Cass County Star-Gazette, Beardstown, Illinois, June 12, 2003
Alma Beard April 19, 1905 - June 12, 2003
   Alma Beard, 98, of Arenzville, died early Thursday morning, June 23, 2003, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.
   She was born April 19, 1905, in Clayton, the daughter of Walter E. and Jessie L. Dickens Williamson. She married Robert Lee Beard on March 11, 1925, and he preceded her in death in 1974.
   She is survived by two sons, Gerald (wife, Maxine) Beard and Myron (wife, Millie) Beard, both of Arenzville; one daughter, Karan Lynn of Glendale, AZ; nine grandchildren, Tamara (husband, Ed) Wolfenbarger and Jan (husband, Steve) Foote, both of Florida, Robert (wife, Harriet) Beard of Jacksonville, Susan (husband, Bob) Anderson of Chicago, Ginny Hamilton and Darryl (wife, June) Beard, both of Arenzville; and 12 great-grandchildren.
   She was preceded in death by one grandson, Todd; one granddaughter-in-law, Sue Beard; two great-grandchildren; and one brother, Joseph Lee Williamson.
   Mrs. Beard enjoyed gardening and visiting with her many friends and family. She, along with her husband, Robert, operated several businesses throughout the years, most notably Beard Implement Company in Arenzville. She was a revered member of the Concord Christian Church in Concord.
   Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, at the Concord Christian Church in Concord, with burial in Arenzville East Cemetery.
   Memorial are suggested to Concord Christian Church or Cass County Home Health Agency. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.airsman-hires.com.

BEARD, Dearld - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, July 23, 2003
Dearld Beard - 1915-2003 - Chandlerville
   Dearld Beard, 88, of Mount Vernon, and formerly of the Chandlerville and Mason County, area and Milwaukee, died Wednesday evening, July 23, 2003 at St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon.Dearld Beard - 1915-2003 - Chandlerville.
   He was born May 15, 1915 in Sangamon County. He married Velma Holmes in July 1938 in St. Louis, and she preceded in death Jan. 2, 1989.
He is survived by a brother, Harold; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister.
   Mr. Beard served with the US Marine Corps during WW II. He was employed 40 years as a crane operator for Kerr McGee.
   Graveside services will be held 1 p.m. today at Bath Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Lintner-Buchanan Funeral Home of Chandlerville is in charge of  arrangements. Messages of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.buchananfuneralhomes.com.

BEARD, E.T. (Red) - Beardstown Illinoian, Nov. 27, 1873
   E.T. (Red) Beard, formerly of this city, died in Witchita, KS from a gunshot wound at the hands of Rowdy Joe, a keeper of a low dance house. Red obtained his name, due to long red hair that hung to his shoulders. (In a later article it was stated that Edward Beard is buried in Wichita, KS and his children where, Clara, Inez and Illion. He is the son of Thomas Beard.)

BEARD, Thomas - The Cass County Historian from Beardstown Gazette, November 26, 1849
   Died Wednesday the 26th of typhoid fever, Thomas BEARD, age 55.

BECKER, Loma "Allene" - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, July 29, 2003
Lorna "Allene" Becker - 1917-2003 - Beardstown
   Lorna "Allene" Becker, 86, of Beardstown, died early Monday morning, July 28, 2003, at her residence.
   She was born July 7, 1917, in Browning, the daughter of James Whitcomb and Vera Hollenback Reiley. She married Milton O. Becker and he preceded her in death in 1969.
   She is survived by two daughters, Kathleen (husband, Allan) Allar of Beardstown and Barbara Kidder Fox of Rochester, Ind.; one son, Hayes B. of Macomb; six grandchildren, Brien Leslie of Portland, Ore., Karl Kidder of LaMirada, Calif., Jason Kidder, Barrett Kidder, Keith Kidder and Kenny Kidder, all of Rochester, Ind.; three great-grandchildren; one brother Orrin Reiley of Buellton, Calif.; and two sisters, Metta (husband, Harold "Bud") Landes of Beardstown and Jeanette Haig of Magnolia. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Holly Swanson; and six brothers, Jack, James, Jiles, Gene, Jerry and Kenneth Reiley.
   Mrs. Becker attended Browning Grade School and in 1931 her family moved to California. She graduated from Fairfax High School in Los Angeles in 1934. After the death of her husband she returned to school in Los Altos, Calif., received her degree as a licensed Vocational Nurse, and was employed as a charge nurse at a nursing home in California for 10 years. In 1979 she moved back to Illinois where she owned and operated "Second Hand Rose," an antique shop in Beardstown with her sister Metta Landes. She loved to dance and was nicknamed "Jitterbug Queen." She had a collection of over 300 teddy bears and she always enjoyed collecting, buying, and selling antiques.
   Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at the Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown, with burial at Browning Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials have been suggested to the Arthritis Foundation.

BECKETT, Thomas W. - Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. - Internet Website
Thomas W. Beckett 1929-2009, Ashland
   Thomas W. Beckett, 79, of Ashland, IL and formerly of Champaign, IL went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday morning, February 27, 2009 at his residence surrounded by his family and friends.
   He was born April 20, 1929 in Champaign, IL; the son of Robert and Myrtle Wardlow Beckett. Tom met the love of his life, Kim Armstrong, in Bloomington, IL where they worked together at Bacon and Van Buskirk for three years. They married June 12, 1992.
   He is survived by his beloved wife, Kim; five children, Tamara Hines (husband, Butch) of Justin, TX, Gregory Beckett (wife, Deborah) of Phoenix, AZ, Timothy Beckett (wife, Maureen) of Arlington, TX, Lyndia Beckett (fiancé, Joseph Vosburgh) of Tully, NY, and William Beckett of Seatlle, WA; eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; five siblings, Robert Beckett of Stuart, VA, Larry Beckett (wife, Inez) of Mansfield, Fred Beckett of Las Vegas, NV, Molly Evans of Mansfield, and Mary Ellen Rexroad (Harrison) of Mahomet; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Thomas Beckett; and four brothers, George, Forest Eugene, James, and John Beckett.
   Tom served with the US Army during the Korean War stationed in Boston, MA assigned as a chauffeur for the Commanding General. He worked for Center Glass in CA for 15 years and later for Bacon and Van Buskirk Glass Company in IL for 40 years prior to his retirement in 1993. After retiring, Tom enjoyed woodworking and helping others remodel their homes. In 1998, Tom and Kim joined the Ashland United Methodist Church where Tom served as an usher and played his guitar with the choir for church services and sing-a-longs. He had a great love of reading the Bible and was in God’s word daily. He had a profound love of music, his children and grandchildren, family, friends and extended church family.
   The family extends their deepest gratitude to the many friends and family who shared their support and strength with Tom and Kim, especially Pastor Roosevelt Smith II and their church family at Ashland United Methodist Church.
   Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial services will be held 4:00 PM Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at the Ashland United Methodist Church in Ashland. The family will meet friends at the church from 3:00 PM Wednesday until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice, Ashland United Methodist Church, or a charity of the donor’s choice. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.buchanancody.com

BEDDOES, Arthur E. - Illinoian Star, Beardstown, Illinois, July 6, 1953
Arthur E. Beddoes dies
   Rev. Arthur E. Beddoes, who was pastor of the First Congregational church here for we years, died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Crook, near Joliet. Funeral services were held at the Son___ funeral Home in Joliet.
   Mr. Beddoes made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Crook. Mrs. Crook was a sister of Mrs. Beddoes.
   Rev. and Mrs. Beddoes moved to this city about 12 years ago from Rushville where he continued ministry work.
   Beddoes was active in the Beardstown Rotary club. He is survived by a daughter, Jean.

BEDDOES, Edith - Daily Illinoian Star, Beardstown, Illinois, April 1, 1949
Mrs. Beddoes of Rushville dies
   Mrs. Edith Beddoes, 82, wife of the Rev. Arthur E. Beddoes who was pastor of the Congregational church 18 years before his retirement to Rushville, died early this morning.
   The body was brought to Cline's funeral home and funeral arrangements will be announced tomorrow.
   Besides her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Jean Adams, who returned from Germany several months ago. she was called here because of her mother's illness. The granson made his home with his grandparents while Mr. and Mrs. Adms were in Germany engaged in work in the occupational zone.

BEDDOES, Edith - Daily Illinoian Star, Beardstown, Illinois, April 2, 1949
Funeral to be held here
   Funeral services for Mrs. Edith Beddoes will be held at 10 o'clock Monday morning at Cline's funeral home. The Rev. Harrold Farrell, pastor of the Presbyterian church of Rushville will conduct the services.
   Burial will be in Chapman cemetery at Morris, Ill.
   Edith Mae Noble Beddoes was born in Covington township, New York, November 26, 1867, the daughter of James S. and Jane R. Noble.
   She was educated in Wheaton college, Wheaton, Ill.
She was united in marriage to Arthur E. Beddoes, April 20, 1897 in Evanston, Ill.
   He was pastor of the Congregational church here 18 years before his retirement several years ago, then moved to Rushville.
   Besides her husband, she is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Robert C. Adams, a grandson, Robert C. Adams, Jr. and a sister Mrs. George L. Crook of Minooka, Ill.
   She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Walter R. Noble.

BEGGS, Edwin Upton - Virginia Gazette, Virginia, Illinois, January 31, 1980 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
   Edwin Upton Beggs, 71, of Montezuma, Iowa, died Jan. 22 at Grinnell, (Iowa) General Hospital.
   He was born in Ashland April 5, 1908, a son of Charles Sinclair and Helen Putnam Beggs.
   He married Mabel Sever who survives.
   Also surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Joy Sparrow of Zearing, Iowa; two sons, Daniel Beggs of Rochester, N.Y. and Paul Beggs of Tulsa, Okla.; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
   Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Jan. 25 in Ashland Cemetery.

BEGGS, Mrs. R. - Virginia Gazette, Virginia, Illinois, May 13, 1881
   A terrible accident last week resulted in the death of Mrs. R. Beggs of Ashland. She was kicked by a horse and died the third day.

BEHYMER, Gerald Ray - Journal-Courier, April 20, 2008 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Gerald Ray Behymer, 1956-2008, Beardstown
   Gerald Ray Behymer, 51, of Beardstown died Thursday evening, April 17, 2008, at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville.
   He was born Oct. 13, 1956, in Jacksonville, the son of Thomas and Marilyn Allen Behymer. He married Denise "DeDe" Coats on Oct. 14, 2000, in Beardstown, and she survives.
   He is also survived by two sons, Derek and Aaron Coats, both of Beardstown; one daughter, Sarah Coats of Beardstown; four grandchildren, Kasey, Noah, Gabe and Jozie; two brothers, Ernie (wife, Amanda) Bishop of Beardstown and George (wife, Becky) Bishop of Mount Sterling; three sisters, Cindy Behymer and Shelia (husband, Matt) Brown, both of Beardstown, and Nora (husband, Steve) Heiderscheit of Arenzville; one half brother, Jason Behymer of Texas; stepfather, James Bishop of Beardstown; stepmother, Sylvia Behymer of Texas; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom Behymer and Marilyn Bishop; and one brother, Larry.
   Mr. Behymer graduated from Beardstown High School in 1974. He was previously employed at Excel Corporation in Beardstown for 14 years and was currently employed with Beardstown Services. He was an avid Cardinals baseball fan and enjoyed watching NASCAR racing and football games, mushroom hunting and fishing with his best friend, Donnie Meyer.
   Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at Messerer Cemetery near Frederick. The family will meet with friends from 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown. Condolences may be sent to sagerfh@casscomm.com.

BELL, James Lee - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, August 9, 2006 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
   James Lee Bell, 67, of Virginia, died Tuesday morning, August 8, 2006 at his residence of Lou Gehrig's disease.
   He was born July 14, 1939, in Cass County, the son of Albert Elmer and Cora Evelyn Logan Bell. He married Janet Murphy on Nov. 10, 1963, in Virginia, and she survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Judene Stock (husband, Rich) of Virginia and Jennifer Johnson (husband, Dwayne) of Jerseyville; two grandchildren, Jill Stock and Jimmy Stock; seven brothers, Lyle of Beardstown, Bud (wife, Patsy), Dale (wife, Ruby), Jerry (wife, Mary), Frank Bell (wife, Barb), Donnie Bell (wife, Trish), David, all of Virginia; three sisters, Betty (husband, Charley) McClure and Lucille Bell, both of Virginia, Gloria (husband, Dennis) Sweatman of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Junior and one sister, Josephine Harris.
   Mr. Bell was a farmer in the Cass County area. He attended the Virginia United Methodist Church, was a member of the Cass-Morgan County Farm Bureau and Virginia Gun Club. He was a loyal Democrat and member of the Cass County Assessment Board.
   Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m.Thursday at the Virginia United Methodist Church, with burial in the Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. The family will greet friends from 5-8 p.m. today at the church. Memorial gifts are suggested to Cass-Schuyler Hospice or Virginia United Methodist Church Youth Program. Condolences may be left at www.buchananfuneralhomes.com. Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home of Virginia is in charge of the arrangements.

BELL, Raymond N. 'Buzzy' - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, 2000 - submitted by Carol Orwig
   Raymond N. 'Buzzy' Bell, 1921-2000, Virginia
Raymond N. "Buzzy" Bell, 78, of Virginia, died Wednesday evening, April 12, 2000, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.
   He was born Aug. 7, 1921, in rural Virginia, the son of Amos and Mary Bell. He married L. Mary Scholes Feb. 2, 1949, in Greenville, and she survives.
   He is also survived by one sister, Viola Clark, of Pearl; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Lester; and three sisters, Freda Ohrn, Marie Fuelling and Alberta Strawn.
Mr. Bell farmed south of Virginia for many years prior to his retirement in 1990.
   Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia, with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10 a.m. Saturday until the time of services. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or Virginia Memorial Public Library.

BELL, William V. 'Buddy' - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, March 29, 2008 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
William V. 'Buddy' Bell, 1932-2008, Virginia
   William V. "Buddy" Bell, 75, of Virginia, died Friday, March 28, 2008 at the Walker Nursing Home in Virginia.
   He was born May 29, 1932 in Cass County, the son of Albert Elmer and Cora Evelyn Logan Bell. He married Patsy Turner on March 9, 1957 in New London, Mo., and she survives.
   He is also survived by two sons, Bill (wife, Vickie) and Mike (companion, Melissa Richardson), both of Virginia; one daughter, Linda (husband, Greg) Henry of Petersburg; six grandchildren, Ben (wife, Cara), Lukr, Lacie and Devin Bell, all of Virginia; and Duran and Dusty Rademaker, both of Petersburg, one great-granddaughter; six brothers, Lyle of Beardstown and Dale (wife, Ruby), Jerry (wife, Mary), Frank (wife, Barb), Donald (wife, Trish), and David, all of Virginia; three sisters, Betty (husband, Charley) McClure and Lucille Bell, both of Virginia, and Gloria (husband, Dennis) Sweatman of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Elmer "Junior" and James (surviving wife, Janet of Virginia) ; and one sister, Josephine Harris.
   Mr. Bell served with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was employed several years as an equipment operator for the Cass County Highway Department and later served several years as streets superintendent for the city of Virginia. He later joined his son in the operation of Bell’s Backhoe Service in Virginia. He also assisted his wife with the operation of the Dream Cream ice cream shop in Jacksonville. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Virginia, Amvets Post #100 in Jacksonville, and formerly served as an alderman for the city of Virginia. He enjoyed sharing stories and ideas with friends at the coffee shop.
   Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday at Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia, with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Friends may call one hour prior to services Sunday at the funeral. Memorials are suggested to Walker Nursing Home Resident Activity Fund or Grace Lutheran Church. Condolences may be left at www.buchanancody.com

BELLER, Madison LeeAnn - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, October 27, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Madison LeeAnn Beller, Beardstown
   Madison Lee Beller, infant daughter of Shane Carl and Brooke Renee Miller Beller of Springfield, died Saturday evening, Oct. 20, 2007, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.
   She was born October 19, 2007, in Springfield.
   In addition to her parents, she is survived by twin sister, Hailey Renee of Springfield; maternal grandparents, Dan and Beth Miller of Beardstown; paternal grandparents, Ron and Wanda Beller of Ottumwa, Iowa; maternal great-grandparents, LeeAnn and Al Bietsch and LeIsle Miller, all of Beardstown; and paternal great-grandmother, Clara Beller of Nebraska. She was preceded in death by maternal great-grandfather, Lloyd Miller, and paternal great-grandparents, Richard and Mona Veik and Stanley Beller.
   Graveside services were held Friday afternoon, Oct. 26, 2007, at Beardstown City Cemetery with the Rev. Robert Schoolcraft officiating. Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown was in charge of arrangements.

BENEDETTO, John - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, January 21, 2008 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
John Benedetto, 1921-2008, Chandlerville
   John Benedetto, 86, of Chandlerville, and formerly of St. David, died Saturday morning, Jan. 19, 2008, at Havana Health Care.
   He was born Dec. 7, 1921, in Norris, the son of Chris and Theresa "Jennie" Nizzia Benedetto. He married Velma Skender in 1947, and she preceded him in death Jan. 2, 1976. He later married Patricia Koelling Howard on March 9, 1980, in St. David, and she survives.
   He is also survived by eight children, Mark (wife, Edie) Benedetto and Melanie "Missey" (husband, Pete) Belless, both of Lewistown, Lori Boston and Don (wife, Judy) Howard, both of Cuba, Randy, Brenda and Clay (wife, Bette) Howard, all of Canton, and Jay Howard of Winchester; 14 grandchildren; and four great-granddaughters. He was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.
   Mr. Benedetto worked as an engineer at international Harvester Company in Canton for 37 years, retiring in 1982. He was a member of St. David United Methodist Church. He was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and a member of the Cuba American Legion.
   Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, with burial at White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton, where military rites will be conducted. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Havana Health Care. Condolences may be left at www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

BENJAMIN, Mary - The Cass County Historian, March 2000, taken from Beardstown Illinoian, March 3, 1877
Mrs. Mary Benjamin, age 59 years, 6 months, 20 days died March 1 at this place.

BENNETT, Byrel Marie Parks Leach - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, January 5, 2003 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
   Byrel Marie Parks Leach Bennett, 1914-2003, Beardstown
Byrel Marie Parks Leach Bennett, 88, of Industry and formerly of Beardstown, died Friday evening, Jan. 3, 2003, at Hartland Health Care of Macomb.
   She was born May 16, 1914, in Mount Vernon, the daughter of Charles Allen and Nellie Louise Henderson Parks. She married Robert H. Leach Jan. 7, 1936, at Methodist Parsonage in Springfield, and he preceded her in death. She later married Dwight L. Bennett March 7, 1974, in Beardstown, and he survives.
   She is also survived by one son, Robert H. Leach of Industry; one daughter Loawana L. Leach of Rushville; one stepson, Roy (wife, Laura) Bennett of Albany, Ind.; one stepdaughter, Shirley (husband, Joe) Lotz of Industry; two grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; one great-grandson; one brother, Glenn Parks of Moberly, Mo.; one sister, Viola French of Beardstown; and her special friends, Rhonda Brockman, Dorothy Pointer and Cathy Wilson. She was preceded in death by three brothers, John, Floyd and Charles Parks; and one sister, Mabel Taylor.
   Mrs. Bennett was a member of Beardstown''s First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Beardstown and the Assembly of God of Industry. She had worked in the Beardstown glove factory and a tannery in Hartford. She especially enjoyed the job of baby-sitting with all of the children in her care. She was a former member of the Women of the Moose Chapter 3000 since 1960 and a Bunco club member.
   Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday at Goodwin Funeral Home in Beardstown, with burial at Beardstown City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, where the family will meet friends from 6-7:30 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Women of the Moose Chapter 3000, the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Beardstown or Pinhook Park of Industry. Expressions of sympathy may be sent online to the family at goodwinfh@casscomm.com.

BENNETT, Nancy Jo - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, November 9, 2006 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
   Nancy Jo Bennett, 1944-2006, Beardstown
   Nancy Jo Bennett, 62, of Beardstown, died Wednesday Nov. 8, 2006, at her residence.
   She was born Aug. 31, 1944, in Beardstown, the daughter of John M. and Millie R. Keiper Mushgrove. She married Kevin Bennett, and he preceded her in death.
   She is survived by her parents of Beardstown; two sons, Marcus Adkins and Joseph (wife, Christine) Adkins, both of Madeira Beach, Fla.; one daughter Alison (husband, Stephen) Schurman of Emerald Hills, Calif.; one brother, John (wife, Toni) Musgrove of Chatham; and one sister, Peggy (husband, Doug) Hardwick of Normal.
   Mrs. Bennett graduated from Beardstown High School in 1962. She was formerly employed with Illinois Bell Telephone Company in Springfield for 15 years and later as a dispatcher with Black's Van Service in Beardstown.
   Memorial services will be held 4 p.m. Sunday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown.The family will meet friends one hour prior to services Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Cass/Schuyler Area Hospice. Condolences may be sent to sagerfh@casscomm.com.

BETZ, Gladys A. - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, March 6, 2004 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
   Gladys A. Betz, 1910-2004, Chandlerville
Gladys A. Betz, 93, of Petersburg, and formerly of Chandlerville, died Wednesday afternoon, March 3, 2004, at Menard Convalescent Center in Petersburg.
   She was born July 26, 1910, in Cass County, the daughter of Manuel and Maud Ray Watkins. She married Franklin J. "Frank" Betz on Sept. 30, 1928, in Virginia, and he preceded her in death July 28, 1998.
She is survived by one son, Allen (wife, Violet) of Sherman; three grandchildren, Terry (wife, Nancy) Betz and Randy (wife, Jackie) Betz, both of Riverton, and Kari Betz of Sherman; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Ray (wife, Virginia) Watkins of Petersburg; and several nieces and nephews.
   Mrs. Betz was a homemaker and assisted her husband in the operation of the family farm. She was of Protestant faith.
   Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. today at Lintner-Buchanan Funeral Home in Chandlerville, with burial at Chandlerville Cemetery. Memorial gifts are suggested to Chandlerville Cemetery Association. Messages of sympathy may be sent to the family online at www.buchananfuneralhome.com.

BEUTIN, John A. - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, June 24, 2003
John A. Beutin - 1918-2003 - Beardstown
   John A. Beutin, 85, of Beardstown, died Sunday evening, June 22, 2003, at his residence.
   He was born May 19, 1918, in Chicago, the son of Peter and Laura Deitrich Beutin. He married Margaret McMurl Oct. 23, 1971, in Beardstown, and she survives.
   He is also survived by two stepsons, Benji (wife, Millie) Goldsmith of Bushnell and Ken (wife, Lynette) Goldsmith of Beardstown; one stepdaughter, Anna (husband, Larry) Murk of St. Augustine; nine step-grandchildren; 13 step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one stepdaughter, Ruth Sipes; one step-granddaughter; Wendy Sue Sipes; and three brothers, Robert, Richard and William.
   Mr. Beutin attended school in Chicago. He attended First Christian Church in Beardstown and was a member of the American Legion Post in Rushville and a former member of the Moose Lodge in Beardstown. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from April 24, 1942 until December 7, 1945, with the 77th Division in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his military service and he also received the Good Conduct Medal and the Bronze Service Arrowhead. Mr. Beutin was previously employed with a vacuum cleaner parts distributor in Chicago for over 30 years. After moving to Beardstown he was employed with Hults Electric and then later with the Beardstown City Clerk's office for 11 years. He also owned and operated Vacuum Cleaner Repair in Beardstown for 30 years.
   Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown, with burial at Beardstown City Cemetery. Friends may call after 4 p.m. today at the funeral home, with the family meeting friends from 5-7 p.m. Memorials have been suggested to Cass/Schuyler Area Hospice or First Christian Church in Beardstown.

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