Beatrice Eileen Guthrie | 84 | Pittsfield

Beatrice Eileen Guthrie, 84, passed away peacefully at her home in Pittsfield, IL on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Known affectionately as “Eileen” to all that knew her, she was born in Limon, Colorado, to Lester Lewis (Jack) Davis and Nettie Fern (Kidder) Davis. As one of nine children, and one of the youngest, Eileen grew up surrounded by a big bustling family. She loved to share a favorite family story about how choices were always a little limited when it came to her as one of the youngest – especially when it meant fighting for a piece of fried chicken!
On May 24, 1958, Eileen married her soulmate, Jerry Don Guthrie, of Pleasant Hill, Ill. Together, they shared a beautiful life and ran the Guthrie Garage for 43 wonderful years. They were the proud parents of three children: Tammi Fitch of Pittsfield, IL, Karen Atkinson (and her husband Dennis) from Warrenton, MO and Kirby Guthrie (and his wife Jane) of New Canton, IL. She was a loving grandparent to seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, and five siblings: Ted, Betty, Laura, Ernest, and Sara. She is survived by all three of her children and grandchildren, her sisters: Wilma Gundy of Arvada, CO, Joyce Tennyson of New London, MO, and a brother, Lewis Davis of Midland, Michigan, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Eileen had a deep passion for learning and helping children grow. She completed her Bachelors of Science degree in education at Quincy University and poured her heart into teaching. For many years, she welcomed energetic first graders into her classroom at Pikeland Unit 10 school district, later continuing her impactful work as a beloved reading title teacher for grades 1-3. Eileen was truly a phenomenal reading teacher, patient and encouraging, who helped countless children discover a lifelong love for books. Her meaningful influence is still fondly remembered by generations of students throughout the community.
When her grandchildren were playing sports, she was their biggest fan. She was a very avid Saukee fan and could be found being a coach from the bleacher section. She was also well known for her chicken potpie, along with many other delicious meals. Many of the grandkids` friends couldn’t wait to enjoy her cooking during their school lunches. She enjoyed making those wonderful lunches tremendously and spoke about it for years to come.
On a great day, she could be found in her chair watching her favorite shows and drinking her Dr. Pepper. She always had a smile on her face and a warm greeting when you walked in the door as if you were her favorite part of the day. Even through all of her medical hardships she was so inviting and full of love and had a big hug for anyone she met. In the end, Eileen made the brave choice to come home and surround herself with the people she loved most in her final days. She was so looking forward to meeting her beloved husband Jerry again on the other side and greeting him with the biggest hug.
Graveside services will be held at Crescent Heights Cemetery on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11 a.m. for anyone who wishes to attend and celebrate Eileen’s beautiful life. Donations in her memory can be made directly to Crescent Heights Cemetery.
Lummis Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill is handling the arrangements.