Beulah "Bea" Mae Elrod was born in rural Chilhowee, Missouri on January 7, 1925, and went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 7, 2020, at Springfield Villa in Springfield, Missouri. She was the daughter of the late Uel and Pearl "Marksberry" Paul.

Beulah was raised on a farm with her parents, one brother, one sister, and a loving grandmother.  She graduated from Clinton High School in 1943 and then received her teacher's certificate from Central Missouri State Teachers College in Warrensburg, Missouri.  While there, she met the love of her life, Glen Elrod.  They were united in marriage on April 14, 1946, and to this union three daughters and one son were born: Judith Lane, who passed away at birth, Julia, Jane, and Randall.  They spent their early married life in Lamar, Missouri.  They also lived in Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma before returning to the farm near Huntingdale, Missouri.  Beulah enjoyed teaching third and fourth graders at Huntingdale and Shawnee Mound schools before the arrival of her children.

Beulah accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at a young age and was a long-time and faithful member of Norris United Methodist Church.  She served as a Sunday school and Bible school teacher for many years.

Beulah was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  She enjoyed gardening and tending to her beautiful flowers.  She was a wonderful cook, and her family and friends especially enjoyed her delicious desserts.  She had a large collection of cookbooks that were a favorite choice for her reading material.  Beulah had been a member of the Lorna Kemper Club and Eastern Star and a 4-H leader for many years.  Beulah loved to travel, and it was amazing how quickly bags could be packed for a trip, even while caring for three small children.

Beulah was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Glen, her parents, Uel and Pearl Paul, an infant daughter, Judith Lane, a brother, Norman Paul, and a sister, Mary Ann Moore.

She is survived by two daughters, Dr. Julia Elrod and fiancé Sammy Matassa of Bossier City, Louisiana and Jane McCarty and husband Philip of Springfield, Missouri; one son Randall Elrod and wife Deborah of Clinton, Missouri; five grandchildren, Alison Peterson and husband Erik, Katilyn Pabst and husband Barry, Meredith Elrod, Christopher McCarty and wife Abby, and Cassie Elrod; two great-grandsons, Kaden and Keaton Peterson; six sisters-in-law, three brothers-in law, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will miss her dearly.

Funeral services will be held June 12, 2020, at Clinton United Methodist Church in Clinton, Missouri at 11:00 A.M.  Dr. James Bourland will officiate, with David Cummings as pianist, and Dr. James Bourland as soloist.  Musical selections will include, "What a Day That Will Be", "Take My Hand Precious Lord", "Blessed Assurance", and "Going Home". Seating will be limited due to social distancing requirements, and masks are to be worn during the service. Services will be streamed live on the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home Facebook page.

Burial will be at Carrsville Cemetery, Chilhowee, Missouri.  Pallbearers will be Christopher McCarty, Barry Pabst, Brent Elrod, Greg Cornelius, Sammy Matassa, and Branigan Roark.  Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Paul, Rick Misemer, and Chris McNally.

The family is sincerely grateful for the love, care, and support over the last few years from Springfield Villa, Phoenix Hospice, and Ridgecrest Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions to Norris United Methodist Church or Carrsville Cemetery may be left at or sent to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.vansant-millsfunerahome.com .

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton.