Helen L. Thomas

Helen L. Thomas, 91, of Galesburg, died at 12:55 a.m. Sunday, March 12, 2017 in Galesburg Cottage, Galesburg.

Helen was born June 5, 1925 at the family farm in rural Knox County, Illinois, the daughter of Milo and Ida Gibson Simpson. She married Jay Thomas on May 3, 1952 in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on August 12, 2015. Helen is survived by one son, John of Galesburg; one daughter, Jean L. Howerton of Louisville, KY; one sister, Mary of Rockford, IL; one granddaughter, Jennifer; and six great grandchildren. Along with her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by one daughter, Julie Ann Thomas; two brothers; and five sisters.

Helen graduated from Cottage Nursing School in 1950. She worked as a R.N. for over 35 years at Cottage Hospital. After retiring from the hospital, Helen worked as a R.N. at Monmouth Nursing Home, Monmouth, IL for several years. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Galesburg. Helen will long be remembered for her love of nursing and taking care of her family.

Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg. Memorials may be made in Helen’s memory to First United Methodist Church, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.