Obituaries
Obituary of Kimberly Schmedeke
Kimberly Schmedeke, aged 54 of Carlinville, passed away among beloved friends and family on the evening of Friday, May 9, 2025, at her Carlinville home. The daughter of Loren and Shirley (Maguire) Schmedeke, Kimberly was born on July 6, 1970, being raised in Carlinville from which she graduated high school with the class of 1988.
Kimberly had always loved cooking and baking as it was a highlight of her life both professionally and recreationally, her skill forming her to be an artist in the kitchen as she poured her heart and soul into every dish. She also prepared Christmas breakfast every year for the entirety of her family, as well as anyone needing company. Kimberly was also an avid gardener, as she filled the yard and every room she could with flowers, ferns, trees, and all manner of plants, her favorite flower being the Calla Lily.
Kimberly’s life revolved around her daughter and son, Cheyenne Schmedeke and Lathan Hill, giving every ounce of effort to make their lives as happy as possible, no matter how hard it might be, as she navigated being a single mother. Kimberly’s generosity knew no bounds, outreaching a hand to any and all who needed it, no matter how small. She lived by an open-door policy, going so far as to house others in their times of need on several points in her life.
Kimberly was known for her strength, both physical and mental, as she had worked several hard labor jobs in her life and was even a certified welder. Kimberly also allowed no problem to get to her, smiling through every hardship and injury as she faced it head-on.
Kimberly was preceded in death by her parents, Loren and Shirley (Maguire) Schmedeke.
Kimberly is survived by her daughter, Cheyenne (significant other, Bryan Huff) Schmedeke of Carlinville; her son, Lathan (significant other, Alex Smith) Hill of Carlinville; her brother, Darren (Lisa) Schmedeke of Carlinville; and her nephews, Rhy and Alex Schmedeke.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville. Memorials may be made to the family or the Carlinville Bark Park. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
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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.
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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.
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