Vicki Lynn Blakeman

With profound sadness and endless love, we announce that Vicki Lynn Blakeman entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on November 3, 2026, in Springfield, IL, at the age of 78. While we grieve her passing, we rejoice in the assurance that she has been welcomed into eternal life and reunited with those who have gone before her in faith.

Born on February 12, 1948, in Beardstown, IL to William and Barbara Hymes, Vicki understood that life's greatest blessings were not found in earthly accomplishments but in loving God and loving others. She was a woman of deep faith that was exhibited through her early work as a lecturer for Explorer's Bible Study and her decades-long service as a youth Sunday School teacher. With her faith also came a resound strength and independence.

One of her greatest qualities was how she was able to make a person feel seen and, most importantly, help them know they had self-worth and a purpose in life. Whether it was family, friends, work colleagues, or students she interacted with as a special education aide, countless people can recount how Vicki touched their lives in a positive way.

Vicki was a 1966 graduate of Beardstown High School and went on to pursue a career as a medical technician in Jacksonville and married her high school sweetheart, Ronald Blakeman on November 14, 1970, with whom she enjoyed nearly 56 years of marriage. She was the mother of four children: Marc (partner Trey Davis) of Castle Rock, CO; Joseph (partner Kristi Reusch) of Macomb, IL; Heather (husband Drew Sommerville) of Newburgh, IN and Douglas (wife Kirsten) of Petersburg, IL. While she was a proud mother of her children's accomplishments, she took special pride in her eight grandchildren - Ross, Olivia, Jack, Aden, Ryan, Aubrey, Charli and Brant.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her son Joseph.

Those who knew Vicki will remember her sense of humor and her laugh; her love of baking (especially her always-in-demand homemade pies!); her straight-shooting honesty; and the peace and strength that seemed to accompany her even during life's greatest challenges.

A celebration of Vicki's life will be held at a future date. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Christian Love in Action and Chaddock. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.

Vicki's legacy of faith, love and service will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

"I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live." - John 11:25