Beatrice Glenney

Beatrice Auten Glenney

Age 97 of Wilmington, passed away Sunday, November 29, 2015 at her home.

The only child of Charles and Ruth Auten, Beatrice was born on September 19, 1918 in Clay City, Indiana. She married Michael A. Glenney on October 7, 1943 in Denver, Colorado, where their first of five children was born, Lana. Returning to Wilmington after WWII their family increased with Cheryl, Paul, Pamela and Christopher.

At an early age, Beatrice loved to draw and eventually used her talents to paint with oils on canvas, as well as murals in homes, restaurants and in the Wilmington Lion’s Club. She created backdrops for St. Rose Then and Now shows, WHS Proms in the 50’s and 60’s, Knights of Columbus banquets, the Lion’s Club parade car and portraits at Old Chicago.

She co-founded the Wilmington, Elwood, Braidwood (WEB) Art Society and was an active member of the Joliet Art League. Mrs. Glenney also shared her knowledge with a multitude of art students over a 50 year period. Quite often she served as a judge at county fairs. Her proudest achievement was in 1956 when the Chicago Art Institute accepted one of her oil paintings entitled “The Man – St. Paul” for exhibition.

Her other fascination revolved around “flying machines” in the 30’s. Bea earned her pilots license with an other female in a class of 30 in 1938 at Joliet’s airport. Amelia Earhart was her heroine.

The Glenney family enjoyed many outings at the Miner’s Club in Coal City. Beatrice’s father was a Peabody shovel runner in the strip mine area, qualifying them as charter members.

Volunteering as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, serving as an officer in the American Legion Auxiliary and St. Rose Mother’s Club, singing in the St. Rose choir and designing floral arrangements with the Wilmington’s Garden Club were also important activities for this active woman.

Survivors include four children: Lana Leahy of East Moline, Cheryl Karr of Wilmington, Paul Glenney of Mattoon and Christopher Glenney of Wilmington; (13) grandchildren and (24) great-grandchildren.

Beatrice was preceded in death by her husband and one daughter Pamela.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 11:30 a.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Reverend Steve Bondi will officiate and burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Bea always said that her place was waiting beside her husband Mike, in Wilmington.

Bea’s grandsons will act as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Bea’s memory to: Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 South Main Street, Wilmington, IL 60481 or to the American Cancer Society.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, share photographs or view Bea’s memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)