Madonna Beal, age 80, of rural Pope County, Illinois, passed away on Friday, June 16, 2023.
Madonna was born on January 22, 1943 in Flora, Indiana to Basil and Freda (Allbaugh) Eller. She enjoyed helping her family and friends, organizing her many photographs of them, being outdoors, taking walks, tending to her flowers, boating, fishing, and quilting. Madonna worked for Purdue University, Murray Head Start and retired from The Marshall County Board of Education’s Family Resource Center. Her faith in God and taking care of her family were the most important parts of Madonna’s life. The influence Madonna has had on her children and grandchildren has made them good people with good lives. Her husband was able to live the best life possible simply because he was able to share his life with Madonna. Being a wife, mother and Grandma gave her the greatest joy in life. She strived daily to make sure her family and grandchildren knew the depths of her love for them, and it was evident in the words she once wrote, “My daughters and Phil came first and I wanted the lives I touched to be a little easier and happier because I was there.” She was the most caring, compassionate and selfless person that any of those in her family have ever known. Without exception, she would always put the needs of others before her own. The loved ones she leaves behind will never suffer a greater loss than the loss of her presence in their lives.
Though Madonna’s illness caused great suffering for many months, her faith in God was unwavering to the end. Madonna was a member of Golconda Baptist Church.
Madonna and her loving husband, Phillip, were united in marriage on July 27, 1985 in Lafayette, Indiana.
Madonna is survived by her husband Phillip Beal; two daughters, Tresa Smith (Ronald) of Crestwood, Kentucky, Tanya Riley (Luke) of Benton; one brother, James Eller (Mary Ann) of Burlington, Indiana; five grandchildren, Landon Smith, Natalie Smith, Elsie Riley, Anderson Riley and Rachel Smith.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church at 1:00 p.m. with Bro. Ricky Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow the service at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church.
Memorial donations may be made to: Pleasant Grove Cemetery Fund, 16 Wadesboro Road S, Benton, KY 42025.