Rose Sharon Schaeffer

Rose Sharon Schaeffer, 78 of Beardstown, died Monday, January 12, 2026 at Beardstown Health and Rehab.

She was born May 7, 1947 in Davenport, IA, the daughter of Arthur LeRoy "Roy" and Erma Frank Deacon. She married Allen Schaeffer on June 17, 1966 at First United Methodist Church in Beardstown and he preceded her in death on January 13, 2016.

She is survived by two daughters Penny Smith (husband Doug) of Macomb and Laura Seaman (husband Mike) of Beardstown; seven grandchildren Kynli Finley (husband Matt), Cooper Smith, Sarah Seaman, Natalie Tjandra (husband Ben), Drake Seaman Rachel Lux (husband Jake), and Alayna Deacon; three great granddaughter's Alyvia Howland, Lua Finley, and Olga Tjandra; one sister Linda Prewitt (husband Mike); three brothers Danny Deacon (wife Melody), Rick Deacon (wife Judy), and Robin Deacon (wife Lori); two sisters-in-law Carolyn Schaeffer and Nancy Fisher (husband Paul); several nieces and nephews; and her dear friends June Conner and Georganne Gordon. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one brother Stacey Joe Deacon.

Sharon graduated from Beardstown High School as a member of the Class of 1965. She was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beardstown and had previously been active in the Beardstown Exchange Club and the Beardstown Lion's Club. An avid reader, she greatly enjoyed spending time with her ladies' book club and treasured the friendships she made there.

After raising her children, Sharon worked at Roe's Grocery in Beardstown. She later continued her career at Dr. Sommerville Optometry, where she was honored as Beardstown's first Employee of the Year. Sharon had a deep love for animals and lovingly cared for many cats throughout her life.

Family was at the heart of everything Sharon did. She was her brother's number one sports fan, a passionate supporter of her children, grandchildren, and their friends, and she found her greatest joy in being a mom and grandma. Known for her sharp mind, she was famously undefeated at Trivial Pursuit and loved playing cards of all kinds.

Sharon had a lifelong love of Elvis Presley and was a devoted Chicago Cubs fan. She enjoyed traveling with her girlfriends and was well known as a wonderful cook, especially for her homemade chicken and noodles. Above all, Sharon will be remembered for her genuine kindness, sweet demeanor, and nurturing spirit. She had a rare gift for caring for everyone she encountered-both people and animals-and left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown. Burial will be held in the Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to the services at the memorial home on Thursday. The family encourages everyone to feel comfortable and invites you to wear casual attire. If you wish, please feel free to wear your favorite baseball team apparel or Elvis-themed attire in her honor.

Memorials have been suggested to Cass County Animal Rescue or Cass/Schuyler Area Hospice. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.