Mary Kristeen (Kris) Beard passed away peacefully at home on July 14, 2025.
Kris was born in St. Louis, MO on December 15, 1951, the daughter of Carl John and Dorothy Celeste (Thomson) Barutio, both of whom preceded her in death. Her sister, Carole Fischer survives, living with her husband Wayne in Des Peres, MO.
Kris was a graduate of Nerinx High School and St. Louis University and was employed in the retail and telecommunications industries. While employed at Continental Cablevision she met her husband of 41 years, John Richard (Dick) Beard, who survives. She was a loving mother and grandmother to their son John, his wife Alyssa, and their daughter, Olivia Blake, as well as Dick's children, son Tim and Debbie Beard, their children Brexton and Delaney, and daughter Katie and Brian Hull and their children Nate and Alexus Strieker.  Her many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends will miss her deeply.
Kris was loved by family and friends alike and enjoyed visiting or hosting events whenever possible. She enjoyed snow skiing, film festivals, playing cards, games of all kinds, and any excuse to travel. She loved animals and always had cats and dogs in her life. Her only vice was an addiction to Dr Pepper, well known by all.
She was a voracious reader who shared reviews and exchanged books with many of her family and friends. She loved sewing, excelling at needlepoint and embroidery. Many of her family and friends have individualized Christmas stockings adorning their homes which Kris loved to choose and sew for each specific person. Her wit and humor will be missed by all.
Kris generously chose to donate her body to St. Louis University School of Medicine.
The family will meet friends on Sat. Aug. 2, from 1:00-3:30 p.m. Service at 3:30 p.m. at Ortman Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur, MO.
Donations can be made to The COPD Foundation or The American Lung Association in Kris' memory.