Helen E. Close

Helen E. Close, age 84, of Metamora, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2013 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. Helen was born on October 13, 1928 in Magnolia, Illinois to Kenneth and Mary (Davis) Griffin.  She married Robert Close on October 14, 1946 in Peoria.  He preceded her in death on February 6, 2004. Helen is survived by her children, Robert (Penny) Close Jr. of Kimble, MI, Karen Schoonover of Washington, IL, Diana (Gary) Bennington of Bloomington, and Sandy Close of Arizona; 19 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; one sister, Connie and two brothers, Steve and Gary.  She is also survived by her special friend, Roger Bennington of Metamora.  She was preceded in death by her husband; one daughter, Bonnie Close; her parents; one sister, Margie; and three brothers, Ronnie, Don and Dean. Helen and Bob owned C and L Plumbing for over 20 years retiring in 1982.  Helen attended Bethany Baptist Church and she enjoyed bowling on her bowling league and fishing with Bob.  She loved her dogs and her flowers. Services will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 12pm at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria.  Memorials may be made to Rescue 33 in Chillicothe.