Elizabeth St. John

Elizabeth “Liz” St. John, 86, of West Union, IL, died on September 26, 2026, in the comfort of her home.

Liz was born on August 1, 1940, in West Union, IL, the daughter of Marion Poorman and Areatha (Monk) Poorman. She grew up in the area and graduated from Hutsonville High School in 1958.

Following high school, Liz went to work for TRW and held a number of different jobs throughout the years. For 17 years, she worked at Lindley’s Grocery Store, where she became a familiar face to many in the community. Even retirement did not keep her from staying busy. She and her sister, Martha, worked together at Sam’s Club, handing out samples. They made sure to work the same shifts so they could ride together, turning even a workday into time spent with one another.

That closeness between Liz and Martha was something that remained throughout their lives. The two sisters were especially close and had a longstanding tradition of coordinating outfits. What began with matching one another and their husbands eventually grew to include their children and, from time to time, even some of the granddaughters. It was one of those little family traditions that became part of who they were and left behind plenty of memories and photographs.

Liz married Kenneth St. John on March 25, 1963, in Morris, IL. They shared 60 years of marriage before his death on July 20, 2023.

At home, Liz was happiest enjoying the simple things. She loved sitting on the porch and watching the world go by. She was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan, enjoyed NBA basketball, and could often be found watching softball or baseball at the local fields.

She also enjoyed her card game nights, though anyone sitting down at the table with Liz quickly learned that she did not play simply to pass the time. She was competitive and enjoyed trying to come out on top, which made those evenings all the more memorable.

Liz is survived by her children, Dan & Kim St. John and Debbie St. John; her grandchildren, Jessica St. John, Heather St. John, and Matilda Hillsman; her sisters-in-law, Nancy Poorman, Sharon Poorman, Joan Skinner, and Mary Jane Kegels; as well as several step-grandchildren, great-step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marion Poorman and Areatha (Monk) Poorman; her husband, Kenneth St. John; her granddaughter, Amanda Nicole St. John; her brothers & sister-in-law, Marion Dale (Carolyn) Poorman, Lester Joe Poorman, and Randal Edward Poorman; and her sisters & brother-in-law, Phyllis (Bill) Wampler and Martha (Jerry) Lindley.

Liz’s life was made up of family, familiar routines, friendly competition, ballgames, porch sitting, and years spent alongside the people she loved most. Those ordinary moments became the memories her family will carry with them, and they are where her presence will continue to be felt.

A time of visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2nd, at the Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with Steve Dolson officiating. Cremation will follow, and a graveside service will be held at the Harrison Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the “West Union Community Club,” with envelopes available at the funeral home.