Helen Sheesley

In the early hours of September 11, 2010, Helen Margaret Holmes Sheesley, teacher, musician, antique collector, shopper, traveler, cook, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed peacefully into heaven at her home.
A service to celebrate and remember her blessed life will be held on Thursday, September 16th, at 10:00 a.m. at Mary Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Orion, IL. She will be laid to rest at Western Township Cemetery, Orion, IL. Memorials may be made to Helen's family for a fund to be established.
God gave a unique treasure to the world when Helen was born on May 14th, 1919, to Lester and Iola Holmes in Oneida, IL. She was raised on the family farm and attended school in a one room schoolhouse. It was there that her enthusiasm and inspiration to become a teacher were ignited.
Helen was wed to Charles Sheesley on June 12th, 1943, in Biloxi, MS, in a quaint chapel on the base where he was stationed. Even though Charles passed away on May 13th, 2002, their marriage of 59 years continues to be an example and an inspiration to all.
She is survived by two daughters, Linda Hope, of Holt, MO, and Nancy Teerlinck, with her husband Alan, of Lynn Center, IL.
There are 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who have always held a very warm, loving place in her heart. She is also survived by her very special nephew, Ronnie (Kristi) Murdock in Monmouth, IL. From her husband's side, there is also a nephew, Don (Jan) Sheesley, of Moline, and nieces Diane (Steve) Reason, Buffalo Prairie, and Carolyn (the late Tom) Hanson, Aledo, IL.
Helen was a member of the First Baptist Church in Orion. Her extensive involvement in the community and also in numerous organizations will leave a lasting impression for many years to come.
Helen fulfilled her dream of being a teacher and taught school for 31 years in the Altona, Warner, Alwood and Orion school systems, retiring in 1985. Helen found that in the teaching profession you touch the lives of many children as well as prepare them for life's lessons. Teaching her own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to read at young ages was one of her proudest accomplishments. Even in her own home, her compassionate and helping nature compelled her to create the perfect climate for students to study, learn and grow.
Charles and Helen had a thirst for life's experiences which lead them from exotic locations to neighborhood garage sales. Numerous summers were spent sharing their love for Branson with the family, which is a tradition that has been passed down through the generations. She was a talented musician and placed high priority on sharing this gift.
Her faith in the Lord was powerful, her recipes legendary and her quick wit sprinkled with a touch of humor always present.
We could spend a lifetime and never come close to thanking her and remembering her for all she has done. We celebrate Helen for providing continuous and unselfish affection, for softening the hard lessons of life, for remembering her youth and the importance of reliving it, and for speaking with wisdom and understanding that enriched the lives of those lucky enough to listen.
Online condolences may be left for Helen's family by visiting her obituary at www.esterdahl.com