Helen Wilson

Helen Ruth Wilson, 80, of Whitewater died surrounded by the love of her family Friday, July 6, 2012, at Chaffee Nursing Center.

Helen was born May 6, 1932, at Puxico, Mo., to the late James Ervin and Anna Frances Westbrook Maples. She lived in Chaffee for many years until 1970 when she and her husband built a home on their family farm near Whitewater, where she resided until her death. She was most satisfied at her home, surrounded by her prized antiques while she enjoyed piecing quilts, knitting, reading and making a home for her family. Helen never met a stranger, and to quote her husband, "She was a straight shooter."

She was also a member of the Puxico Eastern Star Chapter 422.

Helen operated the concession stand at Lake Girardeau for 14 years. She listened to many fish stories although she never actually fished a day in her life. Her proudest accomplishment in life, however, was being a mother and a wife.

She leaves behind her life's accomplishment, her family. She is survived by her husband, David E. "Bert" Wilson, whom she married at the tender age of 15 on June 25, 1947; her daughter, Janet (Larry) Cook; and her son, Paul Wilson. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Lana (Sidney) Atkins, Matthew Wilson, Katherine (Nathan) Tidwell and Nicholas Wilson; three great-grandsons, Peyton, Kade and Ty Atkins; her sisters, Hazel Short, Connie (Randy) Spane; her brother, Hermann (Lorraine) Maples; many nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and an infant brother.

Visitation will be at 4 p.m. Monday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee, Mo.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral chapel, with the Rev. Don Kuehle officiating.

Friends may also call from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Morgan-Sifford Funeral Chapel in Puxico, Mo. Burial will follow in the Puxico City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to go to the Amen Center in Delta, the United Methodist Church in Whitewater or the Lake Girardeau Assembly of God Church in Crump.