Ilene L. Beckstead

Ilene L. Beckstead of Atwater, California, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, with the love of her life by her side. She was 80.
Born in 1945 in Murray, Utah, Ilene grew up with deep roots in family, faith, and kindness, values she carried with unwavering devotion throughout her life. After marrying her high school sweetheart, Larry Beckstead, in 1963, the two built a home in California filled with love, laughter and open doors. Their home was a place where neighbors became lifelong friends and every guest was treated like family.
Ilene had many talents and an unstoppable love that knew no bounds. She loved her family and her sons with everything she was, and she went to great lengths to make sure they alway knew how deeply she loved them. She was a licensed cosmetologist who made others feel beautiful inside and out, and later a beloved school bus driver know for her warm smile and caring nature toward every child who climbed aboard.
In her younger years, she could often be found cruising the California countryside in her red convertible. Wind in her hair, sun on her skin, headed to the nearest swimming pool or out delivering newspapers. Her sense of adventure, independence, and joy for simple pleasures never faded with time.
Upon retirement, Ilene embraced the adventures she'd always dreamed of: road trips across the U.S. with Larry by her side, visiting family scattered around the country and finding treasures at garage sales and antique stores. She found beauty in the simplest joys: her blooming garden, a heartfelt conversation, a good laugh shared over a sweet treat. Her warmth, humor, and ability to make others feel seen and valued were her true gifts.
Ilene is survived by her husband of 62 years, Larry; children, Anthony J. (Karen); Shannon (Kevin); grandchildren, Shelby (Matt), Jenna (Isaiah), Jay, Matthew, Jonathan; great-grandchildren, Anthony D. and Avalyn. She is preceded in death by her beloved sons, Edward and Spencer. Her life was rich with love, faith and countless friendships that will continue to bloom in her memory.
A service celebrating Ilene's life will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Turlock Memorial Park, with a lunch reception following at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 5554 N. Winton Way, Atwater, California, 95301.
In lieu of flowers, Ilene's family asks that you honor her memory by taking time to build a lasting memory with your loved ones - share a meal, take a drive, plant something beautiful, or simply say "I love you." Family always came first in Ilene's life and she would want that legacy to live on in yours