Helen I. Stewart, age 86, of Knoxville, Illinois, died at 9:30 P.M. on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Seminary Manor in Galesburg, Illinois.Helen was born on September 28, 1931 in Victoria, Illinois, the daughter of Charles and Viola (Kelly) Peterson. She graduated from ROVA High School, and later attended and graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in education. On April 4, 1958, Helen married James E. Stewart in Victoria. He preceded her in death on September 16, 2014. She is survived by her daughters: Cristine (and Philip) Bates of Knoxville, Carrie (and Kirk) McKillip of Galesburg; six grandchildren: Andy (and Lyndsey) McKillip, Allison Bates, Kelsey (and Bo Adebayo) McKillip, Hannah (and Joe Dreshar) Bates, Will Bates, Michael Bates; two siblings: Charles (and Marcia) Peterson of Iowa, and Doris Tarleton of California. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and one sister, Mary Ann Albin. Helen was employed as a teacher at District 205, and taught the fourth and fifth grades at Nielson and Silas schools. She was an active member of her church, the First Christian Church in Knoxville, and was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star #880. Helen enjoyed sewing, reading, and was an avid Cubs fan. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home in Knoxville. Funeral services will directly follow the visitation at noon, Rev. Don Williams officiating. Interment will be at the Knoxville Cemetery in Knoxville. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church in Knoxville. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be made through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com
