Helen L. Leavens – 89

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Helen L. Leavens, age 89 of Clinton, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2019 at her home. In following Helen’s wishes cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of life will take place from 11 AM until 2 PM on June 15, 2019 at Rastrelli’s. Burial will be at a later date in the Albany Cemetery. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Helen was born in Garden Plain, IL on Augus24, 1929, the daughter of Theodore and Ruth (Senior) Sikkema. She graduated from Erie High School in 1947. Helen married Charles Leavens on September 11, 1953 in Albany. Prior to her marriage and several years after, Helen worked at First Trust and Savings Bank in Albany as a teller. While raising her family she worked as a waitress at Rastrelli’s and Gene’s Tap in Fulton. She had been a member of the Albany Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially taking care of her grandchildren. Helen had many talents but loved making home-made jelly and distributing it to friends and family.

Helen is survived by her husband, Chuck; three daughters, Charlotte (David) Daehler of Thomson, IL, Karen Herrig of Camanche and Janice (Herb) Benshoof of Noblesville, IN; seven grandchildren, Lynne (Garth) Simeon, Janine (Jordon) Zantingh, Elizabeth (Ian) Knutsen, Krista (Brian) Deur, Kari (Eric) Dyjak, Allison Benshoof and Ryan Benshoof; seven great grandchildren, Norah, Atticus, Myleigh, Madelyn, Charlie, Avary and Austin and two sisters, Phyllis Sikkema of Albany and Patsy Titus of East Moline. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Lorna Jean, and son-in-law Adam Herrig. Memorials may be made to Mercy Hospice.