Beatrice Erlene Race, 89, of Jacksonville, Illinois, passed away Friday, March 13, 2026, at Arcadia Care in Jacksonville. She was born December 7, 1936, the daughter of Adolf Earl and Clara (Nash) Geaschel. She married William E. Race May 19, 1961, in Belleville and he preceded her in death on December 6, 2015.

Beatrice is survived by her children, Kay (Jeff) Ator of Auburn and William J. "Billy" Race of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Jessica Ator of Jacksonville and Jeremy (Maria) Ator of Bloomington; and great grandchildren, Ariana and Naomi Severiano, and Alanah and Harper Ator. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother James Geaschel (surviving wife Judy of Cherry Valley); and her three sisters, Carol, Linda, and Ruth Geaschel.

She enjoyed art fairs, macrame, and pottery, even owning her own kiln. She was very active with Pathway. Beatrice was a huge Cardinals fan and never missed a game. She loved watching the Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, and the Masked Singer with her son.

The family would like to thank the staff at Arcadia Nursing and Melissa with HSHS Hospice. Private family services will be held at a later date with burial at Diamond Grove Columbarium. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of Arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.