Helen Rose Hawkins, 84, of Abingdon, IL passed away Sunday, March 25, 2018 at 6:24 p.m. in her home, surrounded by family, from an acute illness.She was born April 2, 1933, in Tampico, IL at home, the daughter of John and Helen (Joos) DeCrane. She married Richard L. Hawkins on February 17, 1951 at Coldbrook Christian Church in Cameron, IL. He preceded her in death November 23, 2000.
She is survived by her children, Sheryl Wike of Abingdon, Roy (Jill) Hawkins of Galesburg, Deann “Dee” Adcock (Chris Hale) of Abingdon, and Scott Hawkins of Abingdon. She was a loving grandmother to nine grandchildren; Melissa (Jason) Johnson of Abingdon, Jamie Hawkins of Virginia, Amanda (Dave) Purchase Roberts of Columbia, MO, Josh Hawkins of Seattle, WA, Christa (David) VanUnnik of Knoxville, IL, Suzanne (Chad) Josefson of Galesburg, IL, Danielle (Mark) McGraw of Montrose, IA, Jennifer (Derek) Poland of Abingdon, and Samantha Wike of Abingdon. She was blessed to have spent time with 13 great-grandchildren, a great-great-granddaughter, and a great-great-grandson on the way. She is also survived by her sister, Bonnie (Dick) Clark of Galva, IL, and two sisters-in-law, Velma Carlson of Alexis, IL and Kathleen DeCrane of Galva.
In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by sons-in-law; Gale Adcock, Brad Wike, and Jerry Purchase, great-grandson; Kamden McGraw, brothers, John, Bill and Bob DeCrane, and sisters, Betty DeWitt and Frances Lundeen.
She officially retired at the age of 74. Helen worked many years at Sheryl’s Daycare in Abingdon, known to the children in the community as “Grandma Helen”, after retiring from farming. Helen and her husband farmed throughout their time together and owned and operated the family farm. While raising her children, she worked for Blue Bell Factory in Abingdon, Warren School District in the cafeteria, and Monmouth Formfit Company as a seamstress. She was a member of Warren County Home Extension. Her biggest joy was her grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. Her family will remember her through the memories of gardening and doing farm chores with her, holidays with homemade cookies and pies, wearing pajamas and special occasion dresses that she sewed every year, and playing cards and board games. She wasn’t just a farmer’s wife; she was his partner in farming and in life.
Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors & Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel. Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 29, 2018 at Abingdon Cemetery. Join the family for food and celebration of life at Abingdon American Legion at 11:30 a.m. following graveside services.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude and Ronald McDonald House Charities. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
