Obituaries
Death of Karen Sue Frey
Karen Sue Frey, 82 of Staunton, passed away at 11:15 PM on Monday, June 10, 2024, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. She was born on January 22, 1942, in Litchfield, the daughter of the late Nelson and Dorothy (Vogelsang) Goehe. She married Charles B. “Chuck” Frey on October 22, 1960, in Staunton and he passed away on October 10, 1993.
She was employed as a Vice President at First National Bank in Staunton for several years. She previously worked as a loan officer at First Community State Bank in Staunton and as a bookkeeper at S&L Motor Parts in Staunton. She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church of Staunton, Staunton Country Club, and the Staunton Chamber of Commerce.
Karen was one of a kind. Her charming view of life and caring spirit blessed her with a loyal family and devoted friends whom she loved dearly. She was steadfast to check in with those she loved and was always a phone call away to whoever needed an ear to listen.
She filled her life with so much joy that radiated to those around her. From dancing in her early years, to golfing at the country club, and to playing slot machines at the casino boat, she had a magical way of making everyone around her smile. She had a passion for golfing and excelled at the sport for as long as she could – she had a chip shot that one could only describe as “wicked”.
Karen never missed watching a St. Louis Cardinals game, an Illini basketball game, or the chance to drink a margarita. She especially never missed any opportunity to go to Disney with her beloved family. The memories of those trips are what got her through so much of her life and gave her the nostalgic connection to all the family that she had lost. Karen will be missed very deeply by all those who were blessed to have known her. May her glowing smile, sassy attitude, & dazzling blue eyes remain in our memories forever.
She is survived by one daughter, Kimberley Knoche of Bloomington; three grandchildren, Taylor Knoche of New York, NY, Kaelyn (Oracio) Molina of Gainesville, FL, and Camryn Knoche of Bloomington; and many nieces and nephews also survive.
Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Melissa “Missy” Frey; one sister, Linda Dal Pozzo; and one son-in-law, Don Knoche.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 PM on Monday, June 17, 2024, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton.
Memorials are suggested to either Staunton Country Club or to St. Michael Catholic Church of Staunton.
Comments
Ruth Ann “Sis” Pollard passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Alton Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family. She was 79 years old. Ruth was born on April 19, 1947 in Staunton to Homer and Ruth (Clark) Cunningham.
She married George Pollard February 14, 1967, and he preceded her in death. Ruth was a caregiver and foster parent. Ruth was a selfless person who dedicated her life to give a home to special needs children. She was a very loving person when it came to her family and friends and they are going to miss her dearly.
Ruth is survived by three sons, Shane Pollard of Litchfield, Ron (Lorette) Pollard of Gillespie, and Jeff Pollard of Chesterfield; a daughter, Jackie (Leighann) Pollard of Chesterfield; grandchildren, Sean Pollard, Abigail Pollard, Adrian Davis, Jarod Cantrell, Ellen Kennedy, and Lilly Pollard; siblings, Judy (Paul) Spensberger, JoleneWard, Robert (Kathy) Cunningham, Mary (Nick) Hollis, Kelly (Jim) Force, and Gary Cunningham; sister-in-law, Violet Ballowe; daughter-in-law, Karla Pollard; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Ruth Cunningham; her daughter Michelle Pollard; former husband, George Pollard Jr; sister, Gail Mick; and four brothers, Tom, Jack, Delbert, and Jim Cunningham.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Chesterfield Bible Church from 2 to 5 pm. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children. Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Comments
Ross Beckman, 90, joined his Lord in Heaven on April 29, 2026, at 2:27 AM. He was born on April 1, 1936, in Highland. His parents were Vernon Otto Bartels and Arlene Beckman, both of New Douglas. He was raised by his maternal grandparents, Emma (Sievers) and George Beckman of New Douglas.
Ross attended New Douglas Elementary School in New Douglas and Highland High School in Highland. His first job was at Kline’s Grocery Store in New Douglas. He also was employed at McDonnell Douglas as a sheet metal worker. He worked for Artophone Corporation and also distributed Armstrong Flooring, worked in sales, and traveled Illinois.
He purchased Sherman’s Department Store on East Main Street in Staunton and renamed it Beckman’s Department Store. He operated the store for 30 years before retiring. He then bought property for a new business in Equine Ranch.
Ross was married to Lela Conroy of Staunton. They had one daughter, Wendy Arlene. Lela passed away after a long illness with Huntington’s Corea. Ross was married to Frances Lee Simpson of Staunton for 27 years. She passed away from illness in 2016. He then married Sheila Fay Foster of Carlinville on May 27, 2017, at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton.
Ross was a member of the Staunton Jaycees for six years and was also the Chaplain for the State Jaycees. The local chapter gave him a lifelong membership. Ross served one term on the Staunton City Council as a ward #4 alderman and also was on the Dorchester Township Board. He was a long-time elder for the Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton.
He was an avid horseman. His horse, “Atomico” was not only his show horse but his loving pet. Ross became a member of The Assembly Church in Staunton and was a very active and a devoted servant. He loved his “church family”.
He is survived by his wife, Sheila (Foster) Beckman; son-in-law, John Walker; three brothers-in-laws, James E. Foster Jr., Gary Foster, and Mike Foster; two sisters-in-law, Deborah (Foster) Wilson and Amy Foster, all originally from Carlinville.
Besides his wives and parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Wendy Arlene.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at The Assembly Church, 1335 S. Hackman Street, in Staunton with Pastor Arthur Braden officiating.
Ross will be greatly missed, but is in the arms of his Lord Jesus. Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Comments
