Beverly Jean Bakunas

Beverly Jean Bakunas, age 97, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on July 25, 1928, in Springfield, Illinois, to the late Burley and Ruth (Yates) Crumly. Beverly was a lifelong member of Holy Family Parish and a proud high school graduate. Remarkably, at just fourteen years old, she made history as the first female page in the Illinois House of Representatives in Springfield.

On February 5, 1949, Beverly married the love of her life, Stanley Bakunas. Their marriage was blessed with over sixty-seven years filled with laughter, love, and many cherished memories. Sadly, Stanley passed away on November 14, 2016. Beverly was a devoted homemaker and an extraordinary mother. She dedicated her life to her family, instilling in her children the values of kindness, faith, and unconditional love each and every day.

Beverly was a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan, attending many games and watching them on tv any chance she could. She was a very talented Duplicate Bridge Player, traveling to different tournaments, and even playing a game with Omar Sharif. Beverly was known for her creativity, knitting, and crafting. She kept the most beautiful garden and always enjoyed tending to it. Beverly had an amazing voice, that stayed with her until the very end. Her warmth, love, and kindness will forever be remembered.

Beverly leaves to cherish her memory, her children, David Bakunas of Divernon, Steven (Elizabeth) Bakunas of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Kathleen (John) Sauber of Caro; eleven grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Beverly’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service is being planned for the spring in Decatur, Illinois. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Heritage Hill for their compassion, kindness, and treating Beverly like family over the last twenty months. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial donations to Beverly’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.