Patricia Ann Beals Housewright, 94, of LaHarpe, Illinois, passed away at 4:45 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2026 at her home surrounded by family.
Patsy was born October 24, 1931 in LaHarpe, the daughter of John Lewis and Neva Bell (Moon) Banks. On September 22, 1950 she married Dean E. Beals in LaHarpe. He preceded her in death July 19, 1986. On April 6, 1991 she married William A. Housewright in LaHarpe. He preceded her in death April 6, 2014.
Patsy was a graduate of LaHarpe High School and attended Western Illinois University. She was a member of the LaHarpe Christian Church throughout her entire life. Earlier in life, she worked for the Bank of Stronghurst. She assisted her husband, Dean, with the operation of Banks & Beals Funeral Home and the funeral home’s ambulance service; all while raising her family. When Dean got sick, Patsy continued helping with the family business. In later years, she enjoyed traveling with Bill in the motorhome, going to Nascar races, their winter home in Southwest Florida, and trips around the world.
Patsy will be remembered for her ability to make the most out of life in any situation. Patsy experienced loss and hardships but she faced it all with perseverance and grace. To know Patsy was to know love, strength, and so much laughter. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she created, the memories she gave, and the love she poured into everyone who knew her. She was deeply loved, and she will be profoundly missed.
Survivors include four children: Kevin (Sherry) Beals of LaHarpe, Kris (Diana) Beals of Oquawka, Illinois, Kimberly (Jeff) Brown of Mexico, Missouri, and Kendall Beals of LaHarpe; eleven grandchildren, Ryan (Becky) Beals, Laura (Matt) Johnson, Madison (Kevin) Mershon, Kristin Ann Brown, Mitch (Brooke) Beals, Marissa (Chris) Randolph, Colin (Flannery) Beals, Mason Beals, Connor (Colette) Beals, Taylor (Michael) Payne, and Alex (Paige) Beals and sixteen great-grandchildren: Oliver and Josie Beals, Banks and Jett Johnson, Easton, Emersyn, Elias and Everett Mershon, Holt and Hudsyn Beals, Avery and Jaxon Randolph, Beckham Beals, Vance and Violet Beals and Weston Payne.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, one son: Kyle Jeffrey Beals; and two grandchildren: Meredith Ann Beals and Infant Beals.
The funeral service for Patsy will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe, with Pastor Nate McCarter officiating. Burial will follow in LaHarpe Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until time of services Thursday at the funeral home.
A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Christian Church or the LaHarpe Fire Department.