Cecelia Beth Ater, 66, of Rock Island, passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at her home surrounded by family.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island. Visitation will be held one hour prior from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in the Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be left in Beth's memory to the GIST Cancer Research Fund or the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Beth was born on November 19, 1958. She was delivered by her grandmother at home during a snowstorm. Beth is the daughter of Malvern and Frances Jasper. Beth married Randy Burton with whom she had her first son. She later married Rick Ater and had 3 children.

Beth graduated from Alleman High School in 1976. She went on to attend Black Hawk College. After raising her children, Beth went to work for the Rock Island School system, which she enjoyed very much. She retired in 2019 after 21 years to stay home and watch the loves of her life, her grandchildren. Beth's grandchildren meant everything to her, and she loved spending as much time with them as she could. One of her favorite things to do was take her grandchildren on adventures. She also enjoyed listening to music and going dancing with her friends.

In 2018 Beth was diagnosed with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GISTs), a rare cancer. After treatment Beth was cancer free until 2023 when the cancer returned. She fought hard and spent every day to the fullest with the people she loved.

Those left to cherish Beth's memory include her husband, Rick; children, Matt (Rachel) Burton, Jennifer Ater, Michael (Corey) Ater, Brittnay Ater, and Jared (Ali) Ater; grandchildren, Carly, Cedric, Aiden, Eli, Isabel, Cainin, Olivia, Chavis, Ella, Bear, Evelyn, Aleena, and Ava; great-grandchildren, Bryant and Kyler; along with her sister, Kathy Jasper and numerous nieces and nephews whom she adored.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Mark, Brian, and Greg Jasper; sister-in-law, Vicki Jasper; and grandson, Avery.

Online condolences may be shared at www.wheelanpressly.com.