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Marion Foster (Dimond)

Widow of our classmate James Baker:

Marla Jean (Beiser) Baker of Alton, IL passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025 after a courageous battle with illness.  She had been in the hospital since February 14, 2024, facing her health challenges with unwavering faith and strength. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, providing her with strength and comfort. Her belief in the promise of a renewed body in heaven brings solace to her family, knowing she is free from pain and suffering.

She was born July 17, 1949 to David F. and Mary Ann (Elble) Beiser of Alton, IL who preceded her in death.  

She married James Baker on November 20, 1970 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.  He preceded her in death in 2007.

Marla went by several names & titles:  sister, daughter, wife, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, mom, mommy, momma, mother-in-law, grandma,"mop”, great-grandma, aunt, cousin, friend, teacher, mentor, confidante & devout Catholic.

Those fortunate enough to know Marla experienced her boundless love and dedication. She selflessly cared for those she loved, always putting others before herself.  Her nurturing spirit and warm heart left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

She worked as a teacher for St. Matthew’s School & in the Alton School District.  She was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Bethalto.  She also enjoyed working with children as a volunteer Sunday school teacher.  Her favorite past-time was anything with her family & friends.

Marla is survived by her loving family, who will miss her dearly. While the pain of her loss is profound, they find peace in knowing she is with the Lord. Sons, Gregory (Jenni) Baker of Grovetown, GA, Timothy (Tonie) Baker of Alton, IL, daughter, Monica Kuhn (Geoff Parlett) of McKinney, TX; grandchildren, Kiefer Baker, Christian Baker, Sean Baker, Jacob (Kayla) Baker, William (Jayme) Baker, Carter Baker, Andrea Baker, Jessica Kuhn, Nathan Kuhn; great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Ryker, Kaiden, Abigail, Adalyn, Emmett.

In addition to her parents & husband, she was preceded in death by her two brothers, Daniel Beiser and Matthew Beiser.

Visitation will be on March 29, 2025 from 9:00 am with a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 am at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Bethalto, IL with Father Tom Liebler as celebrant.  

A private inurnment will take place at St. Patrick's Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Our Lady Queen of Peace.

Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Norman Crews and Janice Fleming.

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Moine McGibany. 

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Janis Baxter. 

Marion Foster (Dimond)

60th Reunion Update

Email update sent today (3-31-25) from this website. Sent to all classmates who have joined the website.

If you don't receive it, check your profile to make sure your email address is correct.

Registration begins in June.

To keep track of reunion updates, click on 60th Reunion 2025 on menu at left.

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Larry Barnett.

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Robert Redman. 

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Michael Jones, Rita Shoemaker and Charles Whitten.

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Barbara Staehle.

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Gary Boyd. 

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Wendy Swan and Jude Wiebmer.

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday  to Fred Summers.

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Pam Marvel.

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Ron Springman.

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to James Earl McCormick. 

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Peggy Reed. 

Marion Foster (Dimond)

Brother of our classmate Paul Glassbrenner:

Ralph David Glassbrenner, 69, of Plainview, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 4:40 pm.

He was born April 1, 1956, in Jerseyville, IL to Fred E. Glassbrenner & Norma J. (Narup) Glassbrenner. He married Paula C. (Johnson) Glassbrenner on January 10, 1981 in Godfrey, IL.

Upon graduating from Southwestern High School in 1974, he started his apprenticeship at the then Carpenter's Local 377, now Local 664, recently celebrating 50 years. He was an honorary member of the Tri County Rod & Gun Club in Brighton, IL.

Ralph enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and working in his garden. He took great pride in his yard as well as his Chevy's and vehicle's equipment. He loved classic country music.

He is survived by his spouse, Paula C Glassbrenner of Plainview, IL, children, Sarah (Jim) Owens of Brighton, IL, David (Xi) Glassbrenner of St. Louis, MO, Michael Glassbrenner of Alton, IL, grandchildren, Luke Owens, Thomas & Henry Glassbrenner, siblings, Karen (Steve) Bender, Patti Updike, Paul Glassbrenner, Ann (John) Hilderbrand, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, IL from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm and on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at SS Simon and Jude Church, Gillespie, IL from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

Memorial mass will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 10:00 am at SS Simon & Jude Church, Gillespie, IL. Burial will be at St. Denis Cemetery, Shipman, IL.

Memorials are suggested to National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation or HSHS Hospice.

Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com.

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Ellen Boschert.

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Michele Rice.

Marion Foster (Dimond)

Don't miss the Into the Woods Musical at Alton High School!

 • Alton School District

Step into a world where fairy tales intertwine in Stephen Sondheim's enchanting masterpiece, "Into the Woods." Follow familiar characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack as they journey into a mystical forest to fulfill their deepest wishes. With spellbinding music and a whimsical yet thought-provoking storyline, "Into the Woods" invites audiences of all ages to explore the consequences of their desires and the true meaning of happily ever after. Join us this weekend with performances Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:00 pm with a special 1:00 matinee on Saturday.  Evening tickets are $12 and matinee tickets are just $5.  All tickets are sold online.

Marion Foster (Dimond)

Remembering OUR spring musicals

1963 "Lil Abner" https://www.altonhigh65.com/Lil-Abner.htm

1964 "Annie Get Your Gun" https://www.altonhigh65.com/Annie-Get-Your-Gun.htm

1965 "Wonderful Town" https://www.altonhigh65.com/Wonderful-Town.htm

On the website menu, click at left on AHS MUSIC, then on MUSICALS to see pictures. Music no longer works since website changed music carriers.:(

"Annie"

"Wonderful Town"

"Lil Abner"

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Penny Jacoby and Jim McGibany. 

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Bruce Sherfy.

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Marlene Cox 

Marion Foster (Dimond)

Brother of our classmate Mark Hackworth:

Thomas Hackworth Obituary

Thomas W. Hackworth
Alton - Hackworth, Thomas W., passed away, Monday, April 21, 2025, after a brief illness.
Beloved husband of the late Mary Hackworth (née Zimmer); dearest father of Todd Hackworth, Sarah Cahill, Craig (Mary) Hackworth, Anne Hoke and Alex T. Hackworth; dear grandfather of Paige Hackworth, Alex M. Hackworth, Mia Hackworth, Sydney Hoke and Shane Hoke; loving son of the late Joseph and Katherine Hackworth (née Gibbons); brother of Lynn (Dave) LaBrot, Mark (Rosemary Gaertner) Hackworth and Carol (Pat) Peterson; uncle of Joseph Strahn Hackworth, Ryan (Molly) Peterson and Amanda LaBrot; a cousin and dear friend to many.
Thomas dedicated many years of his professional life as a sales representative with Xerox Corporation. A lifelong lover of language, he earned his degree in English Literature and History from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. His passion for words, poetry, and storytelling was one of his defining traits. Thomas shared this love of literature with his grandchildren, who remember with great affection, listening to him read favorites like Lewis Carroll's The Jabberwocky. A devoted grandfather, he was ever-present in their lives, cheering them on from the audience at school and community performances, from the stands at baseball games, and from rink side at ice skating venues. He also delighted in spending quality time with them at his favorite local spots, such as the Olivette Diner and O'Connell's Pub, where stories and laughter were always on the menu. He made friends wherever he went, and his presence will be greatly missed.
Services: Visitation at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Tuesday, May 20, from 4 p.m. until time of service at 7 p.m. If desired, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Friends may sign the family's online guestbook at Schrader.com.