Laura Elaine Ratermann

Laura Elaine (Newcomb) Ratermann departed this life on December 15, 2025, surrounded by love from her family at her home.

She was born on May 14, 1964, in Centralia, Illinois, to Elmer “Friday” and Peggy “Jean” (Kious) Newcomb.

Laura was a shy child who spent much of her time with her cousins. She attended Centralia City Schools and earned her GED the same year she was due to graduate high school. As a teenager, she began babysitting and cutting grass with a family friend—early signs of the caregiver she would remain throughout her life. Laura dedicated over 30 years of service as a Certified Nursing Assistant, caring for others with compassion, patience, and unwavering dedication.

Laura loved her children more than anything. She provided a safe, honest, and supportive environment where communication was always encouraged. Her home was not only a refuge for her own children, but also for their friends who passed through her doors over the years.

In 2004, Laura met her fiancé, Mark Beal. The following year, she found the courage to relocate her family to a new place, eventually settling in De Soto, Illinois, where she spent her final years.

Laura was an avid reader, loved music, and enjoyed traveling. Over the past two decades, she traveled across the country and abroad, including trips to Hawaii, Europe, and the Caribbean. She treasured making memories with her family and dearly loved her dogs throughout the years.

In her final days, Laura shared that she felt deeply loved and was at peace.

Laura is survived by her fiancé; her four children, Melissa Crane of De Soto, Illinois; Jesse Ratermann of Effingham, Illinois; Christopher Ratermann of Centralia, Illinois; and Danielle Ratermann of De Soto, Illinois; five grandchildren, Malik Crane-Walker of Carbondale, Illinois; Keegan Ratermann and Malaiya Ratermann of Effingham, Illinois; Doninik Gonzales and Makenna Ratermann of De Soto, Illinois; many cousins; and close friends, including Dennis and Carolyn Rice and Michelle Lacey.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her two brothers, Jimmy and Lee Newcomb; as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins on the Newcomb side of the family.

Per her wishes, Laura will be cremated, and services will be held at a later date.

Ministry of Comfort was lovingly entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murpysboro, Illinois.