Becky (White) Ault

Becky Ault was a proud fourth-generation resident of Centralia, where she was born, raised and where she raised her family.

She was passionate about her family and there could be no better or more loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt  Left to cherish her legacy are her son and daughter-in-law, Kyle and Rachelle Roeckeman, son Zach Roeckeman and grandson Jack Roeckeman.  Also surviving are her brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Nancy White, sister-in-law, Brenda White, nieces, Gina Hockman, Misty Allen, Jennifer Kiper, Nicole English, Tami McClelland, Tiffiny Dahiya and Tonika Tokgoz, nephew, Herb White and many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ken and Polly White and brother, Gene White. Also preceding her in death were her aunt, Mary Ricketts, brother-in-law, Jack Roeckeman, sister-in-law, Jan White and great-nephew, Austin Shellhause.

Becky was a member of First Christian Church and had served as Board President, Board Secretary and as an Elder. She was also a former member of Faith United Methodist Church.

She was educated at Franklin Elementary School, Centralia Township High School, Centralia Junior College and Southern Illinois University.

She started her work career at North Wamac Grade School where she taught kindergarten. A generation of Wamacers still called her “Miss Becky” and she remained close with many of those students.

Becky worked for 17 years at BCMW Community Services and served as its Energy Director, managing programs which provided weatherization assistance to people with low income and services to people without homes. Her proudest accomplishment was starting the Adopt-A-Family Program in 1986, which provided Christmas presents for one family with two children. It continues and in 2021 Adopt-A-Family provided presents for 200 families and over 500 children. With BCMW, she also served as Centralia’s first FEMA Chairman and was instrumental in forming the Centralia Community Benevolent Assistance Program (CCBA Food Pantry) and the Centralia affiliate of Habitat for Humanity.

In 1994, Becky became the Community Development Director for the City of Centralia. She continued to serve the public and Centralia through this position, working as the liaison between the city and its residents. In 2005, she was elected to the Centralia City Council. In 2007, Becky was elected as Mayor for the City of Centralia, the first woman to hold the office. She had many accomplishments in these offices, but was most proud of the creation of the Centralia’s Veterans Affairs Committee, the Veterans’ 4^th of July Parade and many infrastructure improvements around the city, especially at Elmwood Cemetery.

Becky was also the Executive Director of the Centralia Area Historical Society & Museum. She delighted in showcasing Centralia’s history and enjoyed interacting with all the current and former residents and visitors who came to the museum.

She was actively involved in many clubs and organizations. Becky was a proud member and Past President of Centralia Business and Professional Women. In 2008, she was BPW’s Woman of the Year, an honor she cherished. In 2011, she was given BPW’s highest honor, Outstanding Working Woman of Illinois. She was a member of Centralia Rotary/Sunrise Rotary and was twice President of Sunrise Rotary. She was also honored by Rotary as a Paul Harris Fellow. Becky was a member, former board member and ambassador for the Centralia Chamber of Commerce. She was Balloon Fest Chairman in 2008. Becky served on the board of directors for Centralia Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army and People Against Violent Environments.  She was a member of the NAACP Centralia Branch and, in 2007, was a recipient of their A Spot in History award. She was also a member of the Centralia Cultural Society, Centralia Elks Lodge, Kaskaskia College Foundation, Beta Sigma Phi, Centralia chapter of the American Association of University Women, and the Southern Illinois Mayors Association. Becky was a member of the Marion County Democrats and was elected as a Delegate for President Barack Obama to the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

She was awarded the Illinois State Treasurer’s Illinois Woman of Excellence Award for Community Service in 2008. In 2011, Becky was given the Reach for The Stars award by the Centralia City Schools for her accomplishments and achievements as a graduate of Franklin Elementary School.

Becky had an enduring love for Centralia and its residents and was committed to being a positive impact on her community. Although we mourn her passing, her contributions live on and we celebrate her smile, her laugh, the love she gave and the life she led.

Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Becky Ault will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Centralia, Illinois, with Reverend Paula Comper officiating.  Inurnment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia, Illinois.  Friends are invited to meet with Becky's family from 10:00 A.M. until the time of her service at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  The church has suggested masks are recommended but optional to those who will be paying their condolences to Becky's family.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to BCMW Adopt-A-Family and may be received by the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home at 134 South Elm Street in Centralia, Illinois.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Becky’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net.

Rebecca Jane (White) Ault

February 13, 1942 ~ February 18, 2022

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