Jane Beck
Published July 23, 2026
Mendon, IL
OCT. 14, 1942 – JULY 22, 2026
Jane Stauter Beck was born on October 14, 1942, in Decatur, Illinois, to Leslie and Margaret (Scott) Stauter, arriving ten minutes before her twin sister, Janet. She graduated from Assumption High School in 1960 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in English from the University of Illinois in 1964 after attending Illinois State University in Normal for two years.
She met the love of her life on a blind date, set up by her future brother-in-law, in 1962. That very night, she told her roommate, “I am going to marry this man.” She and Ronald G. Beck of Moweaqua were united in marriage on June 21, 1964, in Assumption, Illinois. Ron and Jane then made their home in Mendon, where Ron accepted a position with Gates Radio in Quincy and Jane began her teaching career at Unity High School. She taught for two years before leaving the classroom in 1966 to become a mother. In 1968, Ron began his insurance career, and Jane worked alongside him in the office, supporting both his business and their growing family.
In 1979, Jane returned to Unity High School, first teaching junior high before returning to the high school, where she eventually had the unique privilege of teaching both of her children freshmen English. In 1984, she became the Activity Director at North Adams Nursing Home in Mendon. Feeling called to another chapter in life, Jane returned to college in 1992 to pursue a nursing degree. Four years later, she graduated at the top of her class, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Blessing-Rieman School of Nursing. She went on to serve patients in the Intensive Care Unit at Blessing Hospital, Home Health and Hospice, and later as Director of the Women’s Health Program, including domestic violence services, at the Adams County Health Department. She retired from nursing in 2001 to devote more time to her favorite role—being a grandmother. She later continued her ministry of caring by serving as an Assistant Lay Chaplain volunteer at Blessing Hospital.
Jane was deeply involved in the Mendon Congregational Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, church camp leader, choir member, and frequently filling in at the piano. She also became active in the Western Illinois Emmaus community, where she served as Lay Director for one year. Throughout her faith journey, she treasured the many friendships and relationships she formed through her church and Emmaus family.
Jane’s six grandchildren were the light of her life. She delighted in watching and supporting them in their activities throughout the years in Mendon and Rushville schools, as well as at Quincy University, Western Illinois University, and Northern Illinois University. She especially loved gathering with family and friends to play games. In 2019, Jane was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a challenge she faced with courage and grace.
She is survived by her loving husband, Ronald G. Beck of Mendon; one son, Kevin Scott (Stephanie) Beck of Mendon; one daughter, Catherine Jane “Cathy” Wilson of Rushville; six grandchildren, Scott Rollins (Jackie) Beck of Ursa, Illinois, Sabrina Jo (Austin Riley) Beck of Galesburg, Illinois, Timothy Dwight Beck of Mendon, Illinois, Madison Jean (Andrew Windsor) Beck of Mendon, Illinois, Sara Jane (John Rohrig) Wilson of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Thomas Eugene Wilson of Charlotte, North Carolina; three great-grandchildren, Kambree, Kimberlynn, and Hudson Beck, all of Ursa, Illinois; one brother, Scott Leslie (June) Stauter of Mountain View, California; and her twin sister, Janet (Chuck) Kemper of Janesville, Wisconsin.
Funeral services for Jane will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the First Congregational Church of Mendon, 106 East High Street, Mendon, Illinois. Rev. Larry Smith will officiate. Interment will immediately follow at the Mendon Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Saturday morning at the First Congregational Church of Mendon from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:30 a.m.
Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Research Foundation or to the First Congregational Church of Mendon. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J. Otto Funeral Home in Mendon.