Anna Mae Beals

Anna Mae (Gatons) Beals, 91, of Decatur, IL went to her heavenly home on October 10, 2025. She was born on the family farm in Cold Springs Township near Herrick, Illinois on February 24, 1934, to Ruth (Hudson) and Charles Gatons.

Anna Mae graduated from Pana High School in 1951 and retired from Staleys in 1984. After retirement, she lovingly babysat for many years, continuing to share her care and kindness with others.

Her greatest desire was that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It was her life’s mission to let everyone know they were loved by the Lord. She shared daily Bible verses with family, friends, and many groups; her messages were a true testament to her faith and daily ministry. Bill and Anna Mae were faithful members of Cerro Gordo Brethren Church.

Anna Mae married the love of her life, William Beals Sr., on March 25, 1955, during a terrible snowstorm. They built a beautiful life together, raising four children, were blessed with seventeen grandchildren, and welcoming many great-grandchildren. They made their home in Mt. Zion, IL, where they lived for 68 years.

She is survived by her children, Marsha (Terry) Leach, William (Cheri) Beals Jr., Susan (Mark) Murphy, and Melissa (Fred) Hartbank. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and her sister Donna (John) Allen. Bill and Anna Mae created a beautiful, loving family that continues to grow and carry on their legacy.

Anna Mae was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Beals Sr.; her son, Charles Jeffrey Beals; her parents, Ruth and Charles Gatons; her brother, Bill Gatons; and her great-grandchild, Evelyn Jackson.

Anna Mae was ready to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Though she was ready for heaven, she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her family and friends will remember her through their daily lives—the lessons she taught, the guidance she gave, and the love she wrapped around everyone she met.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 17, 2025 at Calvert & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion. Visitation will begin prior to the service at 10:00 AM. Anna Mae will be laid to rest at Macon County Memorial Park Cemetery, Harristown.

Memorials in Anna Mae’s honor may be made to Cerro Gordo Brethren Church or Evelyn Jackson Memorial Fund:
https://chop.donordrive.com/campaigns/Evelyn-Jackson-Neuroblastoma-Research

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Fred and Melissa Hartbank family and Mercy Hospice of Washington, Missouri, for the amazing care and compassion they gave Anna Mae over the past year.