Flora Bridges Helman

Flora Bridges Helman

Flora Bridges Helman, 94, went to be with the Lord on July 19, 2022.

She was born in Essex, Mo., the daughter of James and Pearl Bridges.

Mrs. Helman lived in Villa Ridge. She was married on Oct. 12, 1945, to her grade school sweetheart and the love of her life, George M. Helman, for 68 years before his passing in 2014. 

They had two sons, David and Paul Helman. George, Flora and their two sons worked together to create a family farm, Boar Creek Valley Farms. 

They received many awards during their farming years together, including the Master Farmers Award from the Illinois Prairie Farmer in 1985, the Outstanding Resource Conservation Merit Award from the Pulaski Alexander Soil and Water Conservation District and the Pulaski Alexander Soil and Water Conservation District Centennial Farm in 2015.

Besides working on the farm, Mrs. Helman was a senior claims representative for Country Companies in Mounds before her retirement, and she also worked at the Pulaski and Villa Ridge post offices after her retirement.

She was a lifelong member of the Villa Ridge Union Church. She was an active member of the church. She taught Sunday School, was a past member of the church board and was an active participant in church and community events. 

She, along with her husband, had the honor of being the grand marshals for the Pulaski Fair parade in 2010.

Mrs. Helman was active throughout her life in 4-H. She was inducted into the class of 2020 Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame, and was a member of the Illinois Home and Community Association, where she was active for over 50 years. She was awarded the IAHCE Member of the Year Award for District No. 5 in 2021.

She enjoyed being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved reading nursery rhymes to them, telling them stories, baking cookies and especially having tea parties with them. She also enjoyed reading, gardening, working in her yard and family gatherings.

Mrs. Helman is survived by her son, David and Emily Helman of Villa Ridge; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Helman Brown and Sam Brown of Villa Ridge; five grandchildren, David Ashley Helman, Emily Nichole (Jori) DeNeve, Darrell (Polly) Malone, Billie (Blaine) Holshouser and Bobby (Leslie) Helman; 12 great-grandchildren; a family member, William Endicott; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George M. Helman; her son, Paul Helman; and grandson Andy Helman.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 23, at Jones Funeral Home in Villa Ridge. The Rev. Larry Buckles officiated. Interment followed at Green Lawn Memorial Gardens in Villa Ridge.

Memorials can be made to the Andy Helman Scholarship at Shawnee Community College or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

To sign the online guestbook, visit www.jones-funeral.com.

Jones Funeral Home Villa Ridge was in charge of arrangements.

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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