Marilyn Beaty

Marilyn Kaye Beaty, 83 of Taylorville, formerly of Morrisonville, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.  She was born on June 28, 1943, in Decatur, the daughter of Arlie and Margaret (Goodrich) Bailey.  She married Lawrence “Speed” Beaty on June 21, 1969, in Decatur, and he preceded her in death on August 10, 2025.  Marilyn attended Brown’s Business College before beginning a lifetime of hard work and service to others. She worked as a clerk for the Macon County Circuit Clerk’s Office and later enjoyed a variety of occupations that allowed her to meet and connect with people. She sold Bittersweet Candles and later Scentsy, served as a life insurance representative for Foresters Financial, and worked as a product sampler at Kroger, where her friendly smile made her a familiar face to many. For many years, Marilyn also opened her home to children, lovingly babysitting as many as 10 to 12 at a time and caring for each as if they were her own. She found joy in crafts, especially ceramics and diamond art, and enjoyed relaxing with puzzles and word searches. She was a member of the Christian County Farm Bureau, served as a leader of the 4 Clovers 4-H Club, sharing her knowledge and encouragement with countless young people, and volunteered at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary gift shop. Marilyn loved gardening, camping, and traveling, and was an avid fan of the Illinois Fighting Illini and the St. Louis Cardinals. Above all, she treasured her family and friends and found her greatest happiness in spending time with them, especially cheering on her grandchildren at their many sporting events.

She is survived by her daughters: Kimberly (Phillip) Meyer of Springfield, IL; Kristina (Bill) Ray of Taylorville, IL; grandchildren: Bradley Meyer; Kyle (Anabella) Meyer; Tyler Ray, Jett Richards; Elle Richards; Bailey Meyer; Kailynn Ray; and brother: Wallace Bailey of Ellisville, Missouri.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother: Gerald Bailey.

A funeral mass for Marilyn will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at St. Maurice Catholic Church with Fr. John Burnette officiating.  The visitation will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 3:45 p.m. and Friday from 9:45 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at Assalley Funeral Home in Morrisonville.  Burial will take place at a later date at St. Maurice Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Hickory Estates or Taylorville Memorial Hospital Foundation.  Assalley Funeral Home in Morrisonville is assisting the family with arrangements.