Helen Cecelia Rupert, 91, of Galesburg, died peacefully with her family by her side, Friday, February 10, 2023, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
Helen was born December 13, 1931, in Mt. Sterling, Illinois the daughter of Leo John and Marie Ellen (Gleason) Lehne. Helen married Robert Lee Rupert on July 31, 1952, in Mt. Sterling, Illinois. Bob preceded Helen in death on January 25, 2015. Helen is survived by two sons, John (Dorene) Rupert of Port Charlotte, Florida, and Ron (Esther) Rupert of Martinsville, Indiana; one daughter, Becki Byron of Galesburg; ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and will be deeply missed by her 6-foot rooster, “Rudy.” Along with her husband and parents, Helen was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Mark Byron; brother, Richard Lehne; and sisters, Jody “Joan” Rupert, Rosemary Petersen, and Margie Butler.
Helen was devout in her faith in Jesus Christ. A lifelong Catholic, Helen was an active member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, and the Altar and Rosary Society, and co-chaired the funeral luncheon for many years and God’s portion day. She also headed many pastor dinners and served as a eucharistic minister for several years. Helen was an active member and voice for Knox County Right to Life, and the American Red Cross. She organized the Galesburg Police Department men and women in blue cookie delivery every Monday and Thursday since 2020. In her later years, Helen enjoyed many family card nights.
The rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Visitation will follow from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral Mass for Helen will be 10 a.m. Friday, February 17, 2023, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Galesburg. Father William Miller will officiate. Helen will be laid to rest next to her husband Bob at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knox County Right to Life, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, the American Red Cross, or the Pregnancy Center. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
