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 lifelong member of the LaHarpe Christian Church. Earlier in life, she worked for the Bank of Stronghurst. She assisted her husband, Dean, with the operation of Banks & Beals Funeral Home; 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.

While Patsy was an avid reader and competitive bridge player, her greatest joys in life were being a grandmother and great-grandmother. From ball games, to dance recitals, to birthdays, to graduations and weddings, Patsy's presence was constant and always full of encouragement and joy. Her house was always open and ready for grandkid sleepovers, baking parties for her famous Christmas cookie recipes, summer wiener roasts, piling into the house for her unique but crowd favorite Christmas chop suey. Some of the grandkid's most cherished memories were time spent playing hide the thimble, making Coke floats and sherbet punch, having bubble parties in the backyard with her special bubble recipe, or the girls playing dress up in her closet while the boys were outside climbing trees in the "jungle."

Outside of her love for her family, Patsy was known for her personality and impeccable style. She had a fiery spirit, a sharp sense of humor, and was never afraid to say exactly what she was thinking. Conversations with Patsy were memorable and often left many people in tears from laughter. From colorful outfits, lots of sparkle, statement jewelry, and her hair always styled perfectly, you could count on Patsy to be dressed to impress for any occasion. Both of these parts of Patsy came to the perfect meeting point in the annual Beals girl's trips. From Florida, to Aunt Andy's, to Lake of the Ozarks, and more, if you've heard the stories from these trips, you know how much fun Patsy was and how her personality shined. She was always ready to shop till she dropped, followed by a sweet treat as a reward. In recent years, the shopping came more from her living room, but she continued to reward her hard work with chocolates and caramels she would have hidden around the house.

Above all, Patsy will be remembered for her ability to make the most out of life in any situation. Patsy experienced loss and hardships but 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. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Patsy's obituary at banksandbeals.com.