Paula Kathryn Elkins, 81, of Jacksonville, Illinois, died Monday, December 22, 2025, at Boyd Memorial Hospital in Carrollton.

She was born March 3, 1944, in Seattle, WA, to Paul and Miriam (Carne) Elkins.

Paula is survived by her daughters, Kathryn (David) Beauchamp of Green Castle, MO, and Jillian (Robert) Janes of Meredosia; grandchildren, Lauren (Shane) Little of Virginia, Erin Beauchamp and Jacob Beauchamp, both of Green Castle, MO, and Christopher Dieterle of Jacksonville; great granddaughter, Caledonia Little; and brother, John Elkins of Bradenton, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law, Joyce Elkins.

Paula graduated from Clay City High School in Indiana and earned her Master's Degree from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, majoring in english and minoring in history. She retired from Passavant Area Hospital (now Jacksonville Memorial Hospital) as a medical transcriptionist after many years. Paula was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville. She loved all animals, enjoyed handy crafts, like sewing and knitting, but especially loved reading and movies.

The family would like to thank Lesa Martin, her home health care provider, for her many years of care.

There will be no services at this time and cremation will be accorded. Memorial donations are suggested to PAWS of Jacksonville. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is assisting the family. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.