Judith Rose (Slifka) Klein

Judith Rose (Slifka) Klein, age 78, of Staunton, IL, formerly of Livingston, IL, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones at 7:48 AM on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Born on January 23, 1947 in Litchfield, IL, Judith was the cherished child of Frank & Sylvia Rose (McKinnerney)(Schlechte) Slifka.  She married the love of her life, Russell Gerhart Klein, on July 13th, 1968 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Livingston, IL.

She graduated from Livingston High School & Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, IL with a teaching degree.  Mrs. Klein taught in Livingston for 33 years in grades 2-4 & treated all the kids like they were her own.  After retirement, she also enjoyed working at Slifka Trucking for a few years as a bookkeeper.

She was a lifetime member of the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Staunton where she attended regularly & volunteered for various events.  She found joy in traveling, especially on cruises, as well as in cooking & gathering with family.  She was a very involved parent & grandparent, attending numerous sporting events & extra-curricular activities throughout the years.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Russell;  daughter Kristine (Peter) Dederich;  daughter Tammy (Troy) Eaker;  son Kevin Klein;  &  Daughter Angela Klein (Michael Helmkamp);  grandchildren -  Hannah Klein,  Erin Dederich;  Eli Klein,  Amy Dederich;  Sophi Klein;  Molli Klein;  &  Matthew Klein.  In addition, she had three step grandchildren -  Jacob Eaker,  Lucas Eaker,  &  Elizabeth (Isaac) Daugherty.  Also surviving are her brother Frank (Alice) Slifka;  sister-in-law -  Tammy Slifka;  brother-in-law -  Donald (Janet) Klein;  brother-in-law -  Arnold (Judy) Klein;  many nieces & nephews; as well as countless friends & family members whose lives were touched by her warmth & compassion.

She was preceded in death by her parents;  father-in-law -  George Klein;  mother-in-law -  Mary (Brazinski) Klein;  brother Alan Slifka;  brother David Slifka;  sister-in-law -  Georgetta (Klein) Alexander;  &  brother-in-law -  Lee Alexander.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 AM on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Staunton, IL.  A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Staunton, IL, with Pastor Josh Pittman officiating.  A private family burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Judith's legacy.

Though Judith may be gone from our sight, she will forever remain in our hearts.  May she rest in God's eternal peace.  In her honor, let us continue to spread the love she embodied.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judith Rose (Slifka) Klein, please visit our floral store.