Beverly Stern's Obituary
Beverly L. Stern, age 90, of Decatur, IL, waltzed out of this world and into eternity on October 27, 2025, in Macon, Missouri, likely with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Born on August 7, 1935, in Morrison, Illinois, to Leo and Edna Blair, Bev lived a life as full of flavor as her legendary cinnamon rolls.
On December 29, 1956, Bev married her partner-in-crime, Mel Stern, in Sterling, Illinois. Together, they raised two sons, Kevin and Michael, in a home brimming with love and service. Bev was renowned for her warm hospitality and baked goods, which brought comfort and joy to family and friends. Her legacy shines through her tireless service to the community, especially at Kiwanis Park Boys Baseball, where she and Mel cheered on young athletes with the enthusiasm of lifelong fans. Both were devoted members of Grace United Methodist Church in Decatur, where they served underprivileged youth through GUM Park programs and volunteered in the church kitchen, fostering fellowship and care.
Bev’s career as a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital and later as a corporate nurse at A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company showcased her compassion, though she’d likely joke that her real talent was bandaging egos as well as scrapes. She continued her professional journey in the American Family Insurance agency she and Mel ran for decades, where her sharp eye and caring nature no doubt kept things running smoothly. In her free time, Beverly dabbled in ceramics, was the best hostess you’ve ever seen and developed an uncanny knack for attracting “unwanted” wildlife—squirrels, raccoons, and the like, who clearly knew a soft touch when they saw one.
Bev is survived by her sons, Kevin Stern [Cathy] and Michael Stern [Ashley]; her younger brother, Jim Blair; her cherished grandchildren, Rachel, Nathan, Carrie, Andrew, Cora, Colin, Amelia, Grey and Brynn; her two great-grandchildren, Eleni and Siona, who all no doubt inherited her mischievous streak; and the affectionate mouse, Skippy, who she likely spoiled with crumbs in her final days. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mel Stern, who’s surely waiting to share a dance with her; her elder brother, Bud; her younger sister, Marilyn; and, finally, those pesky black birds and ground squirrels she spent a lifetime trying to outsmart.
A celebration of Beverly’s life—expect laughter, stories, and maybe a stray critter or two—will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Springfield Firefighters Lake Club, 940 W Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, IL 62712.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Family Foundations International for the Nepal Safe House, supporting very young girls rescued from trafficking. To contribute, please visit https://donorbox.org/pastor-ramesh-fund?inf_contact_key=525592dd9384f20a2b5cc09fb7ceb7b1680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1or mail donations to Family Foundations Intl, (marked “Nepal Safe House”) at Family Foundations International, 8370 W. Coal Mine Ave. Ste 102, Littleton, CO 80123.
Bev will be deeply missed, but her laughter, warmth, and knack for turning life’s little moments into grand adventures will forever light up the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Condolences may be left online at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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