Clara Belle Lambert

Clara Belle "Bea" Lambert, 95, of Salem, currently of Greentree at Mt. Vernon, went to a well-deserved heavenly rest on Monday, September 22, 2025.

She was born on April 6, 1930, in rural Kell, IL, to her parents, January Jesse Meyer and Alfa (Frost) Meyer. She was the last surviving of her parents and her seven siblings.

She first married George William "Bill" Michael. They divorced in 1967. She married John Wesley Lambert, Sr., in Salem on January 24, 1969, and he survives in Mt. Vernon. She was a devoted wife, homemaker, cook, mother, grandmother, and a great friend to all.

She is survived by her husband; sons, Ed Michael (Julie) of Salem, John Lambert, Jr., (Elaine) of Iuka, and Harry Michael of Decatur; daughters, Carolyn Leach (Cathy Henschen) of Swansea, Joyce Black (Jerry) of Salem, Pamela Ledbetter (George) of Salem, and Doris Holsinger (Andy) of Goreville IL. She is also survived by twenty grandchildren, forty-one great grandchildren, and 16 great-great grandchildren, and scores of nieces and nephews. She loved to be called "Grandma Bea and Aunt Bea."

She was preceded in death by her son, William David Michael; daughter, Teresa Lambert; son, Robert Lambert; and two great-granddaughters.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem with Reverend Victor Long officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will be in Purdue Cemetery in rural Kell. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Purdue Cemetery and can be received at the funeral home. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com