By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
10 Comments
  • Visitation

    10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

    Tuesday November 23, 2021

    Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home, Albion, IL

  • Service

    1:00 p.m.

    Tuesday November 23, 2021

    Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home, Albion, IL

  • Full Obituary

    Helen Ruth (Gubbins) Curtis, 95, of Albion, Illinois passed away Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at 10:16 p.m. at West River Health Campus in Evansville, Indiana.

    Helen was born on December 23, 1925, to Ernest Gubbins and Maud Ellen Gubbins in Albion, Illinois.  She graduated from Albion High School in 1943.  She was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church.

    Helen was preceded in death by her husband Francis Daniel Curtis, her son Milton Stewart Curtis, her father Ernest Gubbins, her mother Maud McDuffee, brothers Richard Gubbins and Ford Gubbins.  She is survived by her sons David Curtis of Decatur, IL and Mark Curtis and his wife Pam of Albion, IL, one granddaughter Rachel of Evansville, IN, sister-in-law Janice Gubbins of Fairfield, IL, cousins, nieces and nephews.

    Shortly after returning from WWII in the Army, Francis and Helen were married on November 23, 1945.  They had three sons Milton, David, and Mark.

    After Helen graduated from high school her first job was working as a telephone operator.  After her marriage and beginning her family, she was a happy homemaker and devoted mother.  She enjoyed cooking and doing all of the things that a family demands.

    In 1966 her husband was elected sheriff and tax collector and she began working as a secretary in his office.  Being sheriff, it required that the family would move to the sheriff's residence which included the jail.  She prepared meals for those in jail.  In 1971 she began working at Champion Laboratories and was an air filter inspector.  She retired from Champion in 1989.

    She was a kind and joyful person with a cheerful laugh.  It was always pleasant to be in her presence.  She enjoyed shopping and was always ready to go.

    After Francis and Helen retired, they enjoyed gardening with a large variety of vegetables and flowers.  They won Yard of the Month Award on two occasions.  They also traveled through many states by taking Presley tours and meeting people.

    Her favorite time of year was the Christmas season.  The Christmas tree could not have too many ornaments or lights.

    She's had a long journey and there have been some trying times the last few years, but she has been resilient, and God has been with her.  She loved her hometown of Albion, family, friends, and church.

    It was a very special privilege for her sons to be with her to give her a loving goodbye.  Remember, MOM:  YOU are BRAVE; YOU are STRONG; YOU are LOVED; YOU are in my THOUGHTS. . . and in my HEART AND IF MOTHERS WERE FLOWERS, I'D PICK YOU!  She will be unbelievably missed leaving many cherished memories!  She will be in Heaven for us to see again!

    Visitation:  10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at Ingram-Meridith Funeral Albion, IL

    Funeral Service:  1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 23, 2021, Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home, Albion, IL

    Interment:  Graceland Cemetery, Albion, IL

    Ingram-Meridith funeral Home of Albion, IL

     

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

10 Condolences
 
  1. Louella / November 19, 2021 at 3:16 pm

    Prayers for you and yours at this time of cherishing memories of your Mother

  2. Jeff and kelli Huff / November 19, 2021 at 7:34 pm

    Mark so sorry for your loss she and your dad were very special people may God be with you and your family old friend

  3. Linda Saxe / November 20, 2021 at 9:57 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
    Helen was a wonderful lady. Always enjoyed talking with her, and hearing her laugh!

  4. Laura McCurdy / November 21, 2021 at 7:32 am

    So sorry to hear about Helen. She was a lovely lady.
    Laura McCurdy

  5. Curtis Ingram / November 21, 2021 at 8:16 pm

    Many are the memories of Helen and FDC. They met life’s struggles with faith and determination always looking for and making the most of each challenge.A great couple that’s to be respected and admired.We all are better off because they passed our way.But joy fills my heart when I think of the sweet reunion with FDC and Milton. May the sweet spirit of God fill your hearts now and in the days ahead.
    Much love. Curtis and Dolores Ingram

  6. Malatha Davidson / November 22, 2021 at 4:58 am

    Helen was one of my favorite at WestRiver I’m so very sorry for your loss David and Mark. Sending hugs and prayers for you and your family.

    Love Malatha Davidson

  7. Karen L Smith / November 22, 2021 at 4:07 pm

    So very sorry to hear of Helen’s passing!! She was a sweetheart and I enjoyed talking with her. Prayers and condolences to the family!!

  8. Jeffrey Alan Foster / November 22, 2021 at 6:45 pm

    The very one who rocked you in the beginning needed you most in the end. You were there with your tender heart and your steadfast loyalty, doing the right thing exactly the way she would have hoped, exactly the way she taught you to do. Jeff and I (Judy) are so sorry to hear about your dear Mom passing away. I’m sure you’ll miss her. Jeff and I will certainly miss visiting with you at West River, Dave. Meeting someone who understood the heartache we all felt on this most challenging path gave Jeff and I a measure of comfort. With our thoughts and prayers, I hope you feel some comfort now, too. Sincerely, Judy Garwood and Jeff Foster

  9. MaryJo G Barnard / November 22, 2021 at 7:49 pm

    Years ago Helen enjoyed attending Grief Share gatherings 2 PM Sunday afternoons at Hogg Heaven meeting room, sharing sorrows and joys.. Sunday afternoons are lonely, and several of us widowed –especiallly from our church– really appreciated the fellowship.. It was good to have friends to share with, eat with and laugh with..
    ​(Mark rode his bicycle in the snow and ice to Albion Grade School…..lots more stories, Helen and Francis enjoyed them all.)

  10. MaryJo G Barnard / November 22, 2021 at 7:57 pm

    Helen enjoyed participating in a Grief Share group that many of us from First United Methodist Church shared in on Sunday afternoons, a lonely time after a loss, especially of husband Francis.
    Many school memories of the boys and of junior high music and Language Arts classes with Mr. Grubb.
    Love and memories, Mary Jo G. Barnard

Leave a Condolence or Memory: