1930
Helen
2010
Helen Ramona Oliver
February 4, 1930 — May 13, 2010
Helen Oliver obituary
Helen Ramona Oliver, 80, of Silvis, died peacefully May 13, 2010 at her home in the presence of her children after a courageous battle with cancer. Per Helen's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and private family services will be held at a later date.
A gathering of family and friends celebrating Helen's life will be held while cruising the Mississippi River Saturday, May 22nd on the Celebration Belle Riverboat at 2501 River Drive, Moline. Boarding for the one and a half hour cruise will be at 1:45 pm. Boat will leave dock at 2 pm sharp and return at 3:30 pm. Admission is free for Helen's guests. Please RSVP to 309-796-0286 if you will honor Helen's memory with your presence.
Helen was born on February 4th, 1930 in Des Moines, Iowa to Merl Milo and Irene Ona Blair Spooner. She married Curly Oliver in Milan on September 23, 1950. They divorced in 1986.
Besides being a truly stellar, supportive and inspirational mother and friend to many, Helen had been a telephone and switchboard operator, employed in early years by Illinois Bell and later by Illini Hospital. Subsequently, she worked as a Telecommunicator with the Silvis Police Department, eventually being promoted to the position of Dispatch Supervisor. Because of her initials, she was affectionately known as "Mama HO" at the station. Helen enjoyed her police work 21 years before retiring in 1994 to pursue interests including activities with the Plus 60 Club, travel, shooting pool at the East Moline Moose Lodge, attending plays at Circa 21 and Playcrafters theaters, swimming and pitching horseshoes, usually in the company of her dear companion Jim Horsman. Her lifelong friend Lorraine Carsell was an admirer of her enthusiasm for life, exhibited by additional pastimes ranging from roller skating, bowling, riding horses and Harleys to fulfilling a recent dream of a hot air balloon ride.
Helen also believed in civic responsibility, having served others as a volunteer Red Cross First Aid Instructor, Bowlesburg School PTA member, Cub Scout leader, member of the Black Hawk Park Foundation and the Niabi Zoological Society.
Survivors
Children Mike (Karen) Oliver Westmont, IL
Patricia Oliver Silvis, IL
Hap (Cindy) Oliver Munford, TN
Dave (Sandi) Oliver Rock Island, IL
Step-Children Linda Phillips Davenport, IA
Duane (Dee) Oliver Tarpon Springs, FL
Grandchildren Scott, Holly, Justin, Kyle, Jay, Scott, Wendy, Matthew, Zack, George, Kathy
Great-Grandchildren Haley, Connor, Kelly, Arieanna, Tyler, Justus, Nathanial, Logan, Nadia,
Bradley, Wesley
Helen was preceded in death by her parents and her step-daughter Carmen Vizas. Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline is assisting the family and online condolences may be expressed to Helen's family by visiting her obituary at www.esterdahl.com. In lieu of flowers Helen wished memorials in her name be made to the Quad City Animal Welfare Center or the Niabi Zoo Elephant Fund.
Helen Ramona Oliver, 80, of Silvis, died peacefully May 13, 2010 at her home in the presence of her children after a courageous battle with cancer. Per Helen's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and private family services will be held at a later date.
A gathering of family and friends celebrating Helen's life will be held while cruising the Mississippi River Saturday, May 22nd on the Celebration Belle Riverboat at 2501 River Drive, Moline. Boarding for the one and a half hour cruise will be at 1:45 pm. Boat will leave dock at 2 pm sharp and return at 3:30 pm. Admission is free for Helen's guests. Please RSVP to 309-796-0286 if you will honor Helen's memory with your presence.
Helen was born on February 4th, 1930 in Des Moines, Iowa to Merl Milo and Irene Ona Blair Spooner. She married Curly Oliver in Milan on September 23, 1950. They divorced in 1986.
Besides being a truly stellar, supportive and inspirational mother and friend to many, Helen had been a telephone and switchboard operator, employed in early years by Illinois Bell and later by Illini Hospital. Subsequently, she worked as a Telecommunicator with the Silvis Police Department, eventually being promoted to the position of Dispatch Supervisor. Because of her initials, she was affectionately known as "Mama HO" at the station. Helen enjoyed her police work 21 years before retiring in 1994 to pursue interests including activities with the Plus 60 Club, travel, shooting pool at the East Moline Moose Lodge, attending plays at Circa 21 and Playcrafters theaters, swimming and pitching horseshoes, usually in the company of her dear companion Jim Horsman. Her lifelong friend Lorraine Carsell was an admirer of her enthusiasm for life, exhibited by additional pastimes ranging from roller skating, bowling, riding horses and Harleys to fulfilling a recent dream of a hot air balloon ride.
Helen also believed in civic responsibility, having served others as a volunteer Red Cross First Aid Instructor, Bowlesburg School PTA member, Cub Scout leader, member of the Black Hawk Park Foundation and the Niabi Zoological Society.
Survivors
Children Mike (Karen) Oliver Westmont, IL
Patricia Oliver Silvis, IL
Hap (Cindy) Oliver Munford, TN
Dave (Sandi) Oliver Rock Island, IL
Step-Children Linda Phillips Davenport, IA
Duane (Dee) Oliver Tarpon Springs, FL
Grandchildren Scott, Holly, Justin, Kyle, Jay, Scott, Wendy, Matthew, Zack, George, Kathy
Great-Grandchildren Haley, Connor, Kelly, Arieanna, Tyler, Justus, Nathanial, Logan, Nadia,
Bradley, Wesley
Helen was preceded in death by her parents and her step-daughter Carmen Vizas. Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline is assisting the family and online condolences may be expressed to Helen's family by visiting her obituary at www.esterdahl.com. In lieu of flowers Helen wished memorials in her name be made to the Quad City Animal Welfare Center or the Niabi Zoo Elephant Fund.
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