Skip to content

Beulah G Blakley

July 16, 1923 — May 15, 2023

Beulah G Blakley (nee Staufenbiel), known affectionately as “Mom, Grandma, Mimi, and Great Grandma”, passed away on May 15, 2023 at her home in Taylorville after a long and fulfilling life.

Beulah was born on July 16, 1923 at home on the farm in Hecker, Ill., to Roland and Hilda (Weidemann) Staufenbiel. She married her sweetheart, Charles Donald “Don” Blakley in 1944 in Norfolk, VA. Early on, she worked as a switch board operator in the 1940’s, then spent time at home to raise her family.

Later, she returned to work in ICTC’s business office for another 25 years before retiring in 1983. She soon began a second career as bailiff at the Christian County Courthouse, where she served with respect and honor for nearly 18 years. Her friendly demeanor earned her the nickname “white-haired lady with blue eyes and a smile” among her coworkers. Beulah was a kind and selfless woman who was well liked by everyone who knew her. She loved spending time with her family and was the most loving grandmother. Always with a smile on her face, she was elegant with a great sense of style. Her artistic and creative side shined through in her sewing, crocheting, quilt making, and baking. She was a talented seamstress, often making beautiful clothes for her family. She will be dearly missed.

Beulah is survived by her son David C. Blakley of Taylorville, Ill.; daughter Jean C. Davidson of Mattoon, Ill.; daughter Lois A. Ryan (Terry) of Taylorville, Ill.; grandchildren Andrea Bryan (Dan) of Webster Groves, Mo.; Darcy Hammitt (Bob) of Sherman, Ill.; Jim Davidson (Whitney) of Canton, Ill.; Aimee Bates (T.J.) of Taylorville, Ill.; Thad Ryan (Kayla) of McCordsville, Ind.; great grandchildren Mason, Ryan, and Ella Bates, Max Tavine, Penelope and Sophia Davidson, Nash Ryan and soon-to-arrive baby brother; step great grandchildren Destiny, Jordyn, and Zoey Hammitt; and her brother: John Staufenbiel of St. Peters, Mo. Beulah was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Don Blakley; her parents Roland and Hilda Staufenbiel; brother Fred Staufenbiel (Eileen); sisters Anita Oakes (Jim); Ethel Hammel (Les); Aurelia Hogg (Jerry); Pearl Powderly (Al); sisters-in-law Darlene Staufenbiel; Marie Flemming; and brother-in-law Everett Blakley.

Family and friends of Beulah are invited to join in a visitation and funeral service in her honor. The visitation will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville, Ill. A funeral mass will begin at 11:00 am with Father Alan Hunter officiating. Interment will follow at Rosamond Grove Cemetery in Rosamond, Ill.

Memorials in Beulah’s honor may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School. Sutton Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Expressions of condolences to the family or other wishes can be made by signing the online guestbook at suttonmemorialhomes.com.

Leave a Comment