Emma Lou Beckwith

MORTON – Emma Lou Beckwith, 86, of Morton, passed away on Friday, September 24, 2021, at Martin Health Center in Bloomington, Ill.

She was born on July 12, 1935 in Christopher, Ill., to Frank and Carrie (Yates) McKemie. She married Charles LeSar on December 23, 1956. He preceded her in death on March 11, 1981. She then married Dean Beckwith in Morton, on July 24, 1982.

Surviving are her husband, Dean Beckwith of Morton; son, David LeSar of Bloomington; two daughters, Lynda (Jeff) Freed of Bloomington, Ill. and Laura (Darren) Hopp of Edwardsville, Ill.; step-son, Kendall Beckwith of Mooresville, N.C.; step-daughter, Donna (Randy) Dahmm of Washington, Ill.; four grandchildren, Josh (Sarah) Freed, Alexy Freed, Brittany (Curt) Osborne, and Nicholas Hopp; five step-grandchildren, Zack (Maggie) Dahmm, Brenna Dahmm, Austin Dahmm, Kristina Picard, and Kaitlyn Picard; three great-grandchildren, Madelynn Osborne, Jordan Osborne, and Elva Freed; and sister, Ruth Moak.

She was also preceded in death by one sister, Mariam Corn; one brother-in-law, John Corn; and one step-daughter, Joyce Picard.

Emma graduated from Benton High School, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and earned her Master’s degree from the University of Illinois.

Emma inspired children’s lives for 38 years as an elementary school teacher.

She enjoyed a long, happy retirement with Dean traveling in the US and abroad. She loved the ocean and her face would light up when she found the perfect shell. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, gardening and her many cats over the years. Emma Lou was very loved by her family and friends. She will be dearly missed by all.

A funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. on Monday, September 27, 2021, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton. Visitation will be from 4 to 5 p.m., prior to the service on Monday. Burial will be at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, Ill.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.