DIX, Ill. — Helen Darlene (Riley) Ellis, 93, of Dix, passed away at her son’s home, peacefully, on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 6:00 am, of natural causes.  She was born at her family home in Dix, Illinois, on October 16, 1930, the daughter of Claude and Mabel (Price) Riley. In 1949, she married Bill Ellis, with whom she enjoyed almost 70 years before he preceded her in death in 2015.

Helen was also preceded in death by her daughter, Deborah (Ellis) Brink; brothers, Sterling Riley, Edwin Riley, and Jack Riley; sisters, Irene Riley, Eula (Riley) Carter; brothers-in law, John Carter and Earl Hilger; and sister-in-law, Lois (Copple) Riley Grecco.

Helen is survived by her son, Tom Ellis of Texico, Illinois; grandsons, Ryan Fatheree of Dix, Illinois, and Aaron Brink and his wife Sheena of Richview, Illinois; and sister, Jean (Riley) Hilger, who resides in Forest, Virginia. She is also survived by two great-grandsons, Mason Brink and Zayne Trout.

Helen enjoyed a wonderful childhood where she grew up in a large family and attended Dix Grade School and High School. She transferred to Centralia High School as a senior, where she graduated.   She resided most of her life in Dix, but also lived in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Norfolk, Virginia, and San Diego, California, during her early years of marriage, when Bill was in the Navy.  Helen worked for Illinois Bell for more than 30 years, and retired in 1985. Helen loved her family, and was a very caring person who had a bright outlook, positive energy, and kind words for everyone throughout her life.

She was of the Christian faith, and per her request, cremation rites have been accorded.  No funeral service will be held, and private burial services will be held later, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.