FRANKLIN COUJTY – Patricia “Patty” Ann Beasley, 75, died Feb. 2, 2026, surrounded by her husband and daughters.

Beasley was born April 16, 1950, at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, the daughter of Alexander Krause and Marie Ora (Moran) Krause. She was the youngest of three sisters, all of whom remained close throughout their lives.

Her family later moved to Ewing, where she attended Ewing Grade School and Benton High School. It was at Ewing Grade School that she met her future husband, Monte Keith Beasley, whom she often referred to as her “cowboy.” The two married July 3, 1976, in Franklin County and shared nearly 50 years together. They had two daughters, Shannon and Darby.

Beasley was known for her creativity, independence and adventurous spirit. The daughter of a carpenter, she could build nearly anything and preferred making what she needed rather than buying it. She and her husband lived simply and prided themselves on never living beyond their means.

She especially loved spending time outdoors and traveling with her family. In her 70s, she completed two seven-day canoe trips in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness with her daughter Darby. She also traveled extensively throughout the western United States with her husband, often living for months at a time in a slide-in camper. Their travels included a houseboat trip from Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico and extended stays across the West.

Beasley explored Alaska with her daughter Darby, daughter-in-law Ashley and grandson, later hiked challenging trails in Moab, Utah, with her daughter Shannon, and made multiple cross-country trips with her children and grandchildren. She was also known for her mechanical skills, often repairing vehicles herself when they broke down.

Family was central to Beasley’s life, particularly her grandchildren. She was affectionately known to them as “Funny Grandma,” a nickname earned through her humor, imagination and love of play. Her laughter and storytelling were among her most cherished qualities.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Barbara Forsyth; her mother- and father-in-law, JoAnn and Donnie Beasley; her brother-in-law, Michael Kent Beasley; and her niece, Melony (Beasley) Dalby.

Survivors include her husband, Monte Beasley; her daughters: Darby Beasley-Piatek and wife Ashley Beasley-Piatek, and Shannon Appleton and husband Josh Appleton; three grandchildren: Jackson Henry Beasley-Piatek, Henry Edward Appleton and Alexander Keith Appleton; her sister, Diana (Krause) Znavor and husband David Znavor; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and extended family.

The family extends special thanks to longtime friend Dr. David Szoke for his compassion and care.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Pate Funeral Home in Benton. In accordance with Beasley’s wishes, no services will be held.

Online condolences may be left at patefh.com.