Beulah Rae Lael, 83, of Beardstown died Jan. 23, 2007, at Heritage Manor South in Beardstown.Beulah Rae Lael, 83, of Beardstown died Jan. 23, 2007, at Heritage Manor South in Beardstown.
She was born Sept. 6, 1923, in Beardstown, a daughter of Raymond C. and Beulah “Mimi” Mathews Sullins. She married Bobby Lee Lael on Dec. 20, 1941, in Palmyra, Mo. He died April 21, 1985.
She also was preceded in death by one son, Chuck; one sister, Gwen Boyd; and one brother, Tony Sullins.
Surviving are one son, Tom (and Debbie) of Bartlesville, Okla.; one daughter, Sue (companion Gene Mohlman) Palmer of Summum; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; and two step-great-great grandchildren.
She attended Beardstown High School.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Beardstown, where she previously served as past president of United Methodist Women, sang in church choir and was a Sunday school teacher.
She also was a member of Central Illinois Walk to Emmaus, where she was known as the “chicken lady” for her performances for teams and candidates. She formerly served in the Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post #1239 and American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Beardstown, and she was a den mother for Cub Scouts. She retired after many years as a waitress and bartender at the Park Hotel and the Arrow Restaurant in Beardstown, and at the AmVets, Zodiak, and the Dunlap in Jacksonville.
Services were held Friday at her church with Rev. Robert Schoolcraft officiating. Burial was in Oak Grove Cemetery. Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be sent to Central Illinois Emmaus.