Mary Beth Klaus

WASHINGTON?Mary Elizabeth Klaus, 75, of Washington, passed away at 11:36 a.m., Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was born on December 16, 1937 to Paul and Maxine Gerspacher in Pekin, Illinois. Mary Beth attended Elmhurst College and graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor?s degree in Education. She was an elementary school teacher in Washington, started a preschool in the basement of her home, tutored grade school students and was employed for over 20 years at First National Bank which later became Heartland Bank & Trust. Mary Beth was a member of the First Methodist Church (now Crossroads) where she sang in the choir and directed the hand bells for several years. Among those surviving are three daughters, Janet Freihofer in San Diego, Barb (Craig) Martin and Debbie (Paul) Osborne, both of Washington; one sister, Paula LeVeck of Stockton, CA; six grandchildren, Zach, Lauren, Trevor, Donovan, Dylan and Kaitlyn and one great granddaughter, Ava. Mary Beth enjoyed playing the piano, walking her dog(s), Brandy and Benji, sewing and baking. She loved her sweets! A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday May 4, 2013 at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington with Pastor Dan Doty officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services on Saturday. Cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Scleroderma Foundation or Pets for Seniors, PO Box 64, Edwards, IL 61528-0064. Online condolences to the family may be made at masonfuneralhomes.com