Helen Bedwell

Laura Helen Bedwell, 84, of Brighton, and formerly of Union County, died around midnight Sunday, July 28, 2019, at Select Specialty Hospital in Evansville, Ind. 

She was born on June 21, 1935, in Cobden, the daughter of Myrl Childers and Ethel Dover Childers Hancock.

She married Robert Dean Bedwell on Oct. 26, 1954, in Edwardsville. He preceded her in death.

She also was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Benton Hancock; and her sister, Donna Swink.

She was a fantastic cook and was known for her chicken and dumplings and her desserts.

She went all out for holidays and especially Halloween, when neighborhood children looked forward to her hot chocolate and homemade popcorn balls.

She loved gardening, playing bingo, spending time with her family and watching the St. Louis Cardinals.

Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law Brenda and Jim Kirkpatrick of Creal Springs, Joy and Philip Briggs of Manning, S.C., Mary and Kent Wells of Marion, Sharon and Don Schluter of Marion and Melena Jockisch of Jerseyville; one son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Sheri Bedwell of Columbus, Miss.; 18 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the Jonesboro Cemetery, with Pastor Don Schluter officiating. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

Memorials can  be made to the family or to the donor’s favorite charity.

Following the service, the family will gather to remember her life at New Horizons Community Church at 15500 Buckley Rd. in Marion.

To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com. 

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements.