Freda Lou Beals

May 17, 1927 - September 21, 2017

MATTOON- Freda L. Beals, of Mattoon, IL, age 90, passed away Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 7:50 A.M. at Douglas Rehabilitation and Care Center in Mattoon, IL. The funeral service celebrating her life will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, September 25, 2017 at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home located at 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938, with Reverend Ron Dickinson officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Mattoon, IL. Visitation will be held from 12:00 P.M. till the time of service at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home. Freda was born May 17, 1927 in Robinson, IL, the daughter of Olin C. and Lou C. (Caudle) Roberts. She married Lyle R. Beals on August 14, 1948. Freda is survived by her children; one son, Mike R. Beals and wife Pam J. of Mattoon, IL; one daughter, Joan L. Beals; four grandchildren, Dan R. Beals and Heidi L. Riddle of Mattoon, IL, Ali R. Beals of Mattoon, IL, Colton T. Bloxom of Mattoon, IL, and Genny L. Caudill and husband Wes of Evansville, IN; and six great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, and twin sister Veda Laffoon. Mrs. Beals was a retired school teacher from the Mattoon, IL School District, where she taught fifth and sixth grades in Cook Mills, IL and Humboldt, IL. Freda was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Mattoon, IL, Champion Sunday School Class, and Mary Circle. Mrs. Beals spent much of her time in various organizations such as Ed Coles/Sally Lincoln Chapter of the DAR (Daughters of American Revolution), Sigma, Sigma, Sigma Sorority, and former member of the Moose Lodge. She lived her life fully, enjoying many adventures, traveling to all fifty states, and seeing wonderful sights on her many cruises. Freda loved visiting Branson, MO, listening to the great music of Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN, and fishing in Minnesota. Mrs. Beals was an avid sports fan, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and The Fighting Illini. She could not resist a good book and enjoyed her word puzzles. Freda will forever have a special place in our hearts. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with her family.