Zoe Kilver Staats

Zoe Kilver Staats, 81, of Springfield, passed away at 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at The Arbors at Centennial Pointe after a long battle with Alzheimers disease. Zoe was born on August 18, 1936 in Jacksonville, IL, the daughter of Gus and Lora Seeman Kilver. She married Bob G. Staats on April 18, 1968 in Granite City, IL; he preceded her in death on April 10, 2003. Zoe grew up in Pisgah, IL, where her father and later her brother were the managers of the Pisgah Co-op Grain Elevator. She was a graduate of Illinois College and pursued a career in teaching. Zoe taught at Jefferson and Franklin Middle School for over 30 years. She was a member of the National Retired Teachers Association, a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, an avid bridge player, and a softball coach with her teacher friends. She was also preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, Gussie Kunzeman and Jack Kilver. She is survived by her daughters, Jaclyn (husband, Billy) Mathis of St. Cloud, FL, Melissa (husband, Adam) Albanese of Springfield, and Christi (husband, Buster) Prentice of Springfield; three grandchildren, Justin Black, Asher Albanese, and Sylvia Prentice; her partner, Ernie Groth of Springfield; three great-grandchildren; two nieces and three nephews, Lora Lacey, Julie Cary, Blair Kilver, Rex Kunzeman, and Karl (wife, Paula) Kunzeman; and one special cousin, Sandy Winner. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 20, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following ceremonies. Private family burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702.