Helen Rose Kerley

Helen Rose Kerley Age: 99 years A resident of Goreville, IL and a former resident of Vienna and Simpson. Hubert and Helen lived in North Chicago, IL for many years, moving to Simpson in 1946. Helen went to be with Jesus her savior on Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at 2:15 PM at the Hillview Health Care Center in Vienna. She was born July 14, 1911 in Buncombe, Illinois. Helen was the daughter of Elmer & Lina (Threet) Stewart. She was united in marriage to Hubert R. Kerley on December 17, 1929 in Kankakee, Illinois. They enjoyed almost 72 years of marriage, prior to Hubert's passing on November 21, 2001. Helen is survived by her sons - Donald E. (Lois) Kerley of Goreville, IL, Ronald G. (Roma) Kerley of Winthrop Harbor, IL, and H. Ray (Sylvia) Kerley of Goreville, IL.; Grandchildren - Donna (Tom) Joplin of Beach Park, IL, Cindy (Dan) Skvarce of Waukegan, IL, Michele (Frank) Sullivan of Goreville, IL, Allan (Brenda) Kerley of Mobile, AL, Brian (Karen) Kerley of Winthrop Harbor, IL, Kevin (Katie) Kerley of Pleasant Prairie, WI, and Kent Kerley of Kenosha, WI; 10 Great Grandchildren; 8 Great-Great Grandchildren (Helen was anticipating the birth of a great-great grandson in May 2011); 2 Brothers - Bain (Joan) Stewart of Vienna, IL and Virgil (Lavone) Stewart of Dodge Center, MN; a Sister - Ann Peckinpaugh of Vienna, IL; 2 Sisters-in-Law - Marie Stewart of Vienna, IL and Frances Stewart of Buncombe, IL; many Nieces & Nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by: 4 Brothers - Paul, J.C., Earl & Dale Stewart and 4 Sisters - Waynie Sullivan, Ivern Stewart, Edith Sharp, & Lorene Anderson Craig. Helen was one of the oldest members of the Gilead Cumberland Presbyterian Church near Simpson, IL. Helen loved to cook and quilt. She knew the favorite food of each of her family members and friends and would make it whenever they visited. For many years she loved cooking at Mount Shelter Care Home in Simpson, IL. Many people have been blessed to have a quilt made by Helen. She always had a quilt ready for any new baby or as a wedding gift. She was a woman of many skills. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon, January 8, 2011, at 1 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Doug Hughes and Pastor Tom Gray will officiate. Burial will be in the Gilead Cemetery, near Simpson, IL. Friends may call from 10 AM - 1 PM Saturday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 halfway Road, Marion, IL 62959 (www.hospice.org) or to the Gilead Cemetery Fund, c/o Norman Lee, 690 Gum Springs Road, Simpson, IL 62985.

Helen Rose Kerley

July 14, 1911 - January 5, 2011