Stacey L. Larson

Stacey L. Larson, 64, of Metamora, IL, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday morning, January 8, 2026. She was born on January 14, 1961, in Salina, Kansas, to Virgil VanDerryt and Harriet (Sutton) Atwell.

Stacey married the love of her life, Christopher Larson, on August 6, 1981. They built a life together centered on family, hard work, and unwavering love.

For 32 years, Stacey dedicated her career to Trendsetters in Coal Valley, Illinois, where she was a talented and trusted hairstylist. More than her skill, she was cherished for the genuine friendships she formed with clients and coworkers, many of whom became like family. Stacey found joy in life's simple pleasures: chocolate, Diet Coke, and her favorite game, Words With Friends. An avid player, she often juggled dozens of games at once and built friendships with players around the world. In 2025 alone, she played an astonishing 233,147 words, racking up an impressive 5,371,741 points. Above all else, Stacey was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend, always putting the needs of others before her own.

Stacey is survived by her loving husband, Chris Larson of Metamora; her children, Lindsey Begley (Shawn) of Ellicott City, Maryland, Lauren Stein of Germantown Hills, and Wesley Larson of Metamora; and her seven beloved grandchildren, Noah Begley, Ayden Larson, Madison Larson, Sarah Begley, Iva Begley, Maddox Larson, and Ava Stein, each of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

She is also survived by her parents-in-law, Dick and Donna Larson of Coal Valley, Illinois; her sisters-in-law, Sherri Deshane and Jolene Morse (Loren); her brothers-in-law, Tim Larson and Dan Larson (Tammi); her aunts Wendy Summers, Debi Whitt and Patricia Favors, her uncle Don Favors; and her cherished nieces and nephews, Tanya Strader, Jared Strader, Hailey Koch, Trevon Jordan, Taylor McDonald, Jordan Miller, Holly Robinson, Brooke Carlson, Clayton Warner, Emily Woosley, and Karli Gavin, along with many cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil VanDerryt and Harriet Atwell; her sister, Angela Jordan; her brother, Bradley; her uncles James Walters and Terry Smallsreed; and her son-in-law, Paul Stein.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of Stacey's life will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 3:00–6:00 p.m. at the Andover American Legion, 342 Fifth Street, Andover, IL. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor her life.

Stacey's love, strength, and spirit will live on through her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched. Her warmth, humor, and generosity will be remembered always.