1907
Helen
2006
Helen H. Billmire
October 9, 1907 — January 25, 2006
Helen Billmire, 98, family matriarch, world traveler, and church supporter.
There were few places Helen Billmire wouldn't explore and there were few people she didn't enjoy. Throughout her life, she showed a passion for her community, her church, and her family.
Helen Billmire, age 98, died on January 25, 2006 in Phoenix, Arizona in the home of her daughter.
She was born October 9, 1907 in Rock Falls, Illinois to Edith Ella (Cuppernull) and William Elmer Hill. She graduated from Sterling (Illinois) High School where she met her future husband, Frank Billmire. She also attended Peoria University. Frank and Helen were married in 1927. Frank and Helen had two children - Frank William and Elizabeth Joanne. In 1963, Helen and Frank moved to Moline, where Frank began his own business - Select Machine Sales. Helen worked many years as the administrative assistant for the company. They had been married 57 years at the time of the death of her husband in 1984.
Throughout her life, Helen was active in the Episcopal Church. She taught and directed Sunday school classes in St. Mathews Church in Evanston, she and her late husband were charter members of St. Marks Episcopal Church in Silvis, and she actively participated in all aspects of parish life. In addition, she was a long time and active member of the Eastern Star, the women's auxiliary of the Grand Commandry, and celebrated her husband's service as the Eminent Grand Commander of Illinois from 1982 - 1983.
In 1992 Helen Billmire moved to Phoenix Arizona to live with her daughter Elizabeth. It was during these later years that Helen traveled the world, most recently China, South Africa, Australia, and Europe. Helen actively supported the scientific efforts of her daughter and son-in-law and in recognition of this support, in 2002 she was elected an honorary member of the Boehmische Physical Society, a distinguished international scientific organization.
She was preceded in death by her husband Frank, her son Frank William, and her daughter-in -law Iris. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth, son-in-law James Walter Mayer, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.
Services will be 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1st with a visitaton one hour prior to service time at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd.6601-38th Avenue in Moline, Illinois - Father Bill Knapp of St. Marks Episcopal Church will preside.
In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.
Online condolences may be expressed to Helen's family by visiting her obituary at
www.esterdahlmortuary.com
There were few places Helen Billmire wouldn't explore and there were few people she didn't enjoy. Throughout her life, she showed a passion for her community, her church, and her family.
Helen Billmire, age 98, died on January 25, 2006 in Phoenix, Arizona in the home of her daughter.
She was born October 9, 1907 in Rock Falls, Illinois to Edith Ella (Cuppernull) and William Elmer Hill. She graduated from Sterling (Illinois) High School where she met her future husband, Frank Billmire. She also attended Peoria University. Frank and Helen were married in 1927. Frank and Helen had two children - Frank William and Elizabeth Joanne. In 1963, Helen and Frank moved to Moline, where Frank began his own business - Select Machine Sales. Helen worked many years as the administrative assistant for the company. They had been married 57 years at the time of the death of her husband in 1984.
Throughout her life, Helen was active in the Episcopal Church. She taught and directed Sunday school classes in St. Mathews Church in Evanston, she and her late husband were charter members of St. Marks Episcopal Church in Silvis, and she actively participated in all aspects of parish life. In addition, she was a long time and active member of the Eastern Star, the women's auxiliary of the Grand Commandry, and celebrated her husband's service as the Eminent Grand Commander of Illinois from 1982 - 1983.
In 1992 Helen Billmire moved to Phoenix Arizona to live with her daughter Elizabeth. It was during these later years that Helen traveled the world, most recently China, South Africa, Australia, and Europe. Helen actively supported the scientific efforts of her daughter and son-in-law and in recognition of this support, in 2002 she was elected an honorary member of the Boehmische Physical Society, a distinguished international scientific organization.
She was preceded in death by her husband Frank, her son Frank William, and her daughter-in -law Iris. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth, son-in-law James Walter Mayer, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.
Services will be 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1st with a visitaton one hour prior to service time at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd.6601-38th Avenue in Moline, Illinois - Father Bill Knapp of St. Marks Episcopal Church will preside.
In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.
Online condolences may be expressed to Helen's family by visiting her obituary at
www.esterdahlmortuary.com
To send flowers to the family in memory of Helen H. Billmire, please visit our flower store.