Aurzella "Arzy" Catherine Staten

Born January 6, 1928, the first of nine children of Joseph and Lois Argus Shaughnessy, Arzy’s life was rooted in faith, family, devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Holy Rosary. She graduated from St. Joseph Grade School and Ursuline Academy where her faith grew to become the foundation of her life. On May 7, 1955, she married Don Staten. For 43 years their marriage was a beautiful example of devotion, laughter and shared purpose. Together they raised seven children, teaching them the values of hard work, discipline, loyalty and most importantly a deep love and appreciation for the beautiful traditions and nuances of our Catholic faith. Her family blossomed into 25 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren, each one a treasured gift who brought her immeasurable joy.

Arzy’s life was one of service and generosity. For 28 years as a stay-at-home mother, she volunteered at St. Joseph Grade School and Ursuline Academy. She was active in Springfield Right to Life, the St. Joseph Home Coterie, and later at St. Martin de Porres. As a Eucharistic minister, she carried the presence of Christ to the hospitalized and homebound, offering comfort and hope with her gentle spirit.

Arzy found fulfillment working at Illinois Bell in her younger years and later at INB Bank. She took pride in her work contributions. She delighted in friendships, playing bridge, doing her crossword puzzles and sharing meals with friends and loved ones. Her laughter and warmth made every gathering brighter.

In her later years, sports were another source of joy for Arzy. She cheered passionately for the Green Bay Packers, Notre Dame football, the Chicago Cubs, and Duke basketball. Her loyalty to the Cubs carried on Don’s family tradition. Game days were filled with spirited conversation and playful banter that only comes from sharing something you love with those closest to you. The Cubs 2016 World Series win only fueled her passion for Don’s team.

In her final years at Cedarhurst of Springfield, the staff and residents became an extension of her family, surrounding her with companionship, fun and joy.

Arzy’s life was a tapestry woven with faith, family, friendship, love and the simple joys that make life meaningful. She gave generously of herself, whether through service, counsel or simply the warmth of her presence. Her final days were spent in the embrace of those she cherished most- a fitting reflection of a life lived with faith, devotion, countless blessings and grace.

Arzy was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Lois; her husband, Don and three sisters, Mary Louise Brennan, Doris Reid, and Ruth Pohlman.

She is survived by her seven children and their families, Patty (Mike) Guignon and their children and families, Katie (James) Rybak (and their children, Bradley, Leo and Alina), Molly Guignon, Mike (Christina) Guignon (and their children, Rocky and Georgia) and Bryan (Anne) Guignon (and their children, David, Lucy, Ben and Jack); Steve (Kathy) Staten and their children and families, Elizabeth (John) Mulvahill (and their children, Claire, Grace, John Paul, Joanna and Isaiah), Teresa (Damian) Baalmann (and their children, Maria, Laura, Vincent, Isabelle and Dominic), Mary (Will) Ruzicka (and their son, John Simon), Sarah (Vince) Jones (and their children, Anastasia, Lawrence and Martin) and Anne (Michael) Barry (and their daughter, Gianna); Sue (Gregg) Koeller and their children, C.J. and Dan; Don(Kathleen) Staten and their children and families, Claire (Patrick) Murphy, Leslie (Cole) Johnson, Jack (Emily) Staten, Julie Staten (Jake Kempfer) (and their daughter, Lydia); Jane (Bob) Brenneisen and their children and families, Bobby (Kelsey) Brenneisen (and their children, Jagger, Bronx and Rush), Becky Brenneisen (and her children, Brody, Mia and Elliott), Jen (Alex) Sarpa, Laura (Grant) Gebhards, Tim (Abby) Brenneisen, Matt Brenneisen and Emily Brenneisen; Nancy (Jeff) Denman; Amy (Brent) Krebs and their children, Sam Krebs, Abby (Ryan) Fitzpatrick and Bennet Krebs.

Arzy is also survived by one brother, Joseph Shaughnessy Jr. of St. Louis, MO; four sisters, Lois Jirgal of Springfield, IL, Kitty Monahan of Newburgh, IN, Barb Sams of Fairfield, OH and Patti Adams of St. Louis, MO; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

In accordance with Arzy’s wishes her body was donated to science.

Memorial Gathering and Memorial Mass of Christian Burial: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, December,13, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1345 North Sixth, Springfield IL 62702, followed by a Concelebrated Memorial Mass at 11:00 am with Rev. Daniel G. Shaugnessy, primary celebrant and Rev. James Isaacson, S.J.C. officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Springfield Right to Life, 519 Bruns Lane, Springfield, IL 62702; St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1345 North Sixth, Springfield, IL 62702.