Deborah A. Beard
d. April 29, 2020
Deborah Beard, age 67, of Springfield, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at her home.
She was born December 24, 1952 in Carlinville, the daughter of Roy and Ida (Rinehart) Skeen. She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy & Marilyn Skeen, Ida & Ken Branham; brother, David Skeen; grandparents, Caroline Skeen, Harry & Bessie Rinehart and Hilda Hays; nephew, Boone M. Bomkamp; special friend & soul mate, Kathy Wolken.
Deb is survived by her daughter, Traci Ann Talsma (Dean Proefrock) of New Berlin; sisters, Diane Hillig of Carlinville, Denise (John) Carty of Standard City, Danita (David) Welte of Macoupin Station; brothers, Todd (wife Jamie) and Craig (wife Myrna) Bomkamp both of Girard, and Brian (wife Teresa) Bomkamp of Chesterfield, Missouri. She also enjoyed visits, stories and pictures of her 13 nieces and nephews and the 18 great nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Carlinvlle High School in 1970, she enlisted in the US Air Force, stationed at Tyndal AFB, Panama City, Florida. She then enlisted in the Army National Guard as the second women in the State of Illinois. Deborah belong to several different companies as a Specialist, including the all-female (WAC) Color Guard. They marched in several parades and served in celebrations all over the state. She went to OCS and became an Officer (2LT) in 1980. Deborah served 14 years. She then became owner/operator of Debs’ Daycare in Athens for 13 years, finishing her working career as a Tech II for Drivers Services of the Illinois Secretary of State Office since 2000.
Deborah enjoyed bowling in her younger days, has always been a diehard Miami Dolphins fan. She said she DID know what it felt like to be a Cubs fan. Deborah totally loved working in her yards. She mostly enjoyed visiting with friends and family. She really got into looking up the family tree for her family and said this is my contribution.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
All memorials may be made in a donation to Special Olympics of Illinois; P.O. Box 699; Normal, IL 61761-0699 or Swann Special Care Center, 109 Kenwood Drive; Champaign, IL 61821.
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Posted April 29th, 2020 at 4:01 pm
Traci so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful person. We had some really great times, soft ball with you girls, bowling, going to all the sports you kids were in. I have many good memories of her as I am sure you have many more memories. May she rest in peace. Love Blinda
Posted April 29th, 2020 at 5:46 pm
So sorry for your family. I worked with Deb at the Secretary of State on Dirksen Parkway. She was a great coworker.
Posted April 29th, 2020 at 6:49 pm
Traci, I am so very sorry about your mom. Last time I talked to her was right after she moved into her new house. Was just talking to a friend about her two days ago. I loved her dearly, and she and I had a lot of laughs and fun times over the years. I pray for you and your family Traci, and again, I am so very sorry. She will be sadly missed. May she RIP.
Posted April 29th, 2020 at 8:03 pm
Traci, So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a wonderful person with so many interests. She devoted herself fully to each of her endeavors. We loved her early Christmas cards. She was our kids’ favorite Sunday School teacher. And she loved nature and the outdoors. So sorry for your loss. Jane Stricklin and Candy Parker
Posted April 29th, 2020 at 9:46 pm
Traci, so sorry to hear about your mom. We always had good times together. I know that she will be missed. Remember all of the fun and good times you had and laugh a lot.
Posted April 30th, 2020 at 10:06 am
Dear Traci,
I am so sorry to hear of Deb’s passing. Your mother was a true gem. We were both Air Force girls and I had the pleasure to get to know her when we both worked for the IL Secretary of State’s Office.
I moved away for a few years but when I returned we got together and it was like I never left.
I loved her enthusiasm for her gardens and her family ancestor search. My goodness such passion.
Marla and I will toast having her in our lives. Condolences to you and your family.
Posted April 30th, 2020 at 10:48 am
So sorry Traci to hear about your mom. I have a lot of fond memories. Many years of bowling, softball, etc. Had a great visit with her several years ago when a group of us met for lunch. RIP Debbie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat and Henry Stuckey
Posted April 30th, 2020 at 3:58 pm
I am heartbroken to hear your mother passed away. We had some great times & I have fond memories of her at Camp Lincoln. She was a wonderful individual, with that big smile always on her face. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. RIP Deb
Posted May 1st, 2020 at 12:56 pm
Traci, we are so sorry to hear of uour mom’s passing. We had such great times with both you and her. Bowling, softball, following all you kids around with your sports. She was a great friend whom we will miss. Our love to you!
Posted May 1st, 2020 at 1:39 pm
My condolences Traci. I always remember umpiring your games & your mom trying not to yell at me. We had some great times with all the cookouts she threw for the church. I especially grateful for the kindness she always showed my mom. Mom loved when she would go down & work on her house.
Posted May 1st, 2020 at 2:16 pm
Debbie was the person I left my precious 6 week old baby girl with when I returned to work after my maternity leave. I never was nervous about my baby being there, even though Debbie was a lot calmer than I was most of the time. She was just a great lady and made things as easy as possible for me. I appreciated her so much. My daughter is now 28, so that was a few years ago, but I will never, ever forget her. RIP Debbie Beard. You will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Posted May 1st, 2020 at 4:40 pm
My thoughts are with Diane, Denise, Danita, Traci and Kathy. I knew Deb for as long as I can remember. She was a wonderful person and friend. She will be missed.
Posted May 6th, 2020 at 2:03 pm
My thoughts and prayers are for Deb’s family and friends………She was one of a kind and I was remiss in not looking her up a long time ago to tell her how I missed sharing time with her. We were church friends.