Kathryn Ann "Kathy" Strode Beam, 68, of Riverton, Illinois, formerly of Pawnee, passed away Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur. She was born Jan. 28, 1950, in Springfield, the daughter of Robert and Joella E. Harlan Strode. She married William "Bill" R. Beam Jr. Dec. 8, 1967, at the Pawnee United Methodist Church in Pawnee. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; an infant son, Michael Lee Beam; two grandsons, Brady William Lowe and Patrick William Beam; one granddaughter, Sophie Ann Beam; two sisters, Jane Lynn Strode and Karen "Susie" Martin; and many other beloved family members. Kathy attended Pawnee schools, worked as a licensed practical nurse for 23 years and retired from HSHS St. John's Hospital after more than nine years of service. She enjoyed spending time with her six grandchildren — five girls and one boy. Kathy enjoyed cooking, baking and planting her perennial flower beds. Kathy is survived by two daughters, Trisa Beam of Harvel and Lyndi (husband, David) Lowe of Pawnee; one son, Jason (wife, Rebecca) Beam, of Pawnee; six grandchildren, Madison Lowe, Hanna and Ethan Beam and Hailey, Katie and Abby Judge; two brothers, Bob Strode of DuQuoin and Dale "Gene" Strode of Girard; one sister, Alice (husband, Kevin) Heissinger, of Tennessee; two sister-in-laws, Barb Curtis of Mount Zion and Marti Curtis of Tennessee; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Kathy's family will meet friends from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 24, 2018, at the Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at the funeral home with Rev. Chuck Kurfman officiating. Burial will be at Cumberland Sugar Creek Cemetery in Glenarm. Memorials honoring Kathy may be made to the St. John's College-Department of Nursing, 729 E. Carpenter St., Springfield, IL 62702, or the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL 62702. Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Kathy Beam.