Helen Marie Stokes

GOREVILLE - Helen Marie Stokes, 76, passed away at 7:10 p.m. Monday, March 4, 2013, in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale with her husband by her side. Services for Mrs. Stokes will be at 1 p.m. Friday, March 8, in Blue Funeral Home in Goreville, with Pastor Tim Woodard and Preacher Ronald Null officiating. Interment will follow in Busby Cemetery in Goreville. A time of gathering for family and friends will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today, March 7, at the funeral home in Goreville. Memorials may be made to Goreville Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, P.O. Box 411, Marion, IL, 62959. Helen was born to Cecil and Mary (Rollins) Rankin Friday, Oct. 30, 1936, in Whitwell, Tenn. Days before turning 22 years old, she married Wendel R. Stokes in Kane County Thursday, Oct. 16, 1958. He survives of Goreville. Helen is survived by her husband of 54 years, Wendel; daughter, Deborah and Ken Retz of Goreville; son, Scott Stokes of Goreville and Hunter Squellati; grandchildren, Michael Retz of Nashville, Tenn., Kevin Retz of Goreville and Amanda Stokes of Benton; sisters, Aline and Herbert Nunley of Whitwell, Bonnie and Terril Newton of Jasper, TB and Sheila and Robert Atterton of Whitwell; brothers, Bill and Judy Rankin of Whitwell, James and Trisha Rankin of Whitwell and Jerry and Cricket Rankin of Whitwell; special friends, Marie Retz of Tinley Park and Ann Ganzer of Goreville; and several nieces and nephews.. Mrs. Stokes is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Pauline Rankin and brothers, Tom Rankin and Melvin Rankin. Helen was the former owner of Dinner Bell Restaurant. She sold her business in the 1990's to work alongside her husband, Wendel, at the Goreville Napa Store. She loved life and cookouts. Her passion was for spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Helen was a faithful wife, loving mother, doting grandmother, caring sister, patient aunt and compassionate friend. Her absence will be felt throughout the community that she so lovingly called "Home."