Dorothy L. "Dottie" Beal

Dorothy Lou Beal, 86, of Monmouth passed away March 21 at the Lighthouse in Silvis, Illinois. Dorothy Lou "Dottie" was born June 5th, 1927 in Southern Illinois. She was the daughter of Dee and Bertha Ellen Small. Dottie was raised in Marion, Illinois where she graduated from high school and then attended and graduated from the University of Illinois where she graduated and met Marion L. Beal. The couple married on February 8, 1948 at Wesley Foundation in Urbana, IL. He preceded her on March 19, 1999. Dottie loved her community. She was actively involved in the Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee, and the Monmouth Garden Club. Dottie was a fifty-two year member of P.E.O. She also served as Willets School PTA President and as a scout leader. For many years she taught Sunday School as well as acting as Chairman of the Trustees at the Church. She was Treasurer of the Warren County YMCA while plans were made and completed to relocate the organization to it's present location. She was elected to and served for twelve years on the Monmouth School Board at a time when it was rare for a woman. She loved serving as a volunteer at Warren Achievement School and treated those children as her own. While doing all this, she still found time to plant daisies around many of the stop signs in town. Most importantly in her life were her faith, family, and friends. She always had time of others. Those left to "play ahead" her love and faith are her children Rich (Jane) Beal of Bloomington, IL, Ron (Claudia) Beal of Waco, TX; and Becky (Mark) Barnes of Cordova, IL. Seven grandchildren Sarah Tellefson, Nathan Barnes, Jane Jones, Josh Beal, John Barnes, Heather Wagner, and Nathanial Beal. There are sixteen great grandchildren. Her sister, Betty Jackson of Chicago, IL. also survives. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one brother Bob Small. Services:A memorial service for Dottie Beal will be at the First United Methodist Church of Monmouth at 10:30 am on Saturday March 29, 2014. Cremation has been accorded. No committal of her ashes is planned at this time. Her family plans visitation and will receive friends on Friday evening at the church from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Methodist church. In Lieu of flowers a memorial fund is established for either First United Methodist Church or P.E.O. Dottie loved flowers. Her wishes were that in lieu of sending flowers to the family to please send them to a friend to brighten someone's day. She also wished that beautiful colors be worn to her service of celebration.