Jean Ghast, age 76

Of Newton, IL passed away at 11:10 PM –Friday, March 15, 2013 at St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham, IL.
Visitation will be held 6:00-8:00 PM – Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at the Blake-Buchanan Funeral Home in Newton, IL. Private family services will be held with burial in the Plainfield Cemetery east of Rose Hill, IL. In loving memory of Jean, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Newton, IL.

Jean was born in Rose Hill, IL on December 7, 1936 the daughter of Ralph and Helen (Dunn) Hall. She graduated from Newton Community High School in 1954 and later from Sparks Business College.
Jean worked as a legal secretary for George Kasserman for many years. She then went to work for the State of Illinois as a Court Reporter and retired after 25 years of service. In 1993 Jean was elected as Clerk for the City of Newton and was still in that capacity at the time of her passing. She also prepared taxes for many years.
Jean was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Newton. She enjoyed working, dancing and was an avid sports fan who followed the Newton Eagles, St. Louis Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts and the fighting Illini.
Jean is survived by:
4 Children – Brad (Sharon) Ghast of Mt Vernon, IL
Scott (Laura) Ghast of Newton, IL
Stacy Ghast of Newton, IL
Craig Ghast of Newton, IL
7 Grandchildren 7 Great Grandchildren
Sister – Betty Alembaugh of Oblong, IL
Brother – Don Hall of Newton, IL

Jean was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers Robert and Curtis Hall.