Helen L Morrell

Born September 19, 1922 in Galesburg to John Glenn and Clara Helen (Dilworth) Rasmussen, she married Carl Dean Weese on May 17, 1941 in Palmyra, Missouri. She later married Durward A. "Pat" Morrell on June 28, 1958 in Pekin. He died February 21, 1979 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her parents; two daughters, Sandra Lucille Weese and Gwendolyn Louise Weese; and one brother.

Surviving are one step-son, Coy (Judy) Morrell of Ardmore, Oklahoma; two step-grandchildren, Clint (Laura) Stradley and Cody Morrell; and two step-great-grandchildren Michael and Brandon Stradley.

Helen worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 29 years, retiring in January 1983 as an auditor at the general office in Peoria. Prior to that, she was a switchboard operator in Cuba for Illinois Telephone Company for 4 years, and had worked in the office for International Harvester in Canton for 2 years.

She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin, where she belonged to several organizations including the United Methodist Women, the Friendship Club, Rachel-Sarah Circle, and was a former member of the choir and the Tri-M Sunday School Class.

She was a former member of the First Christian Church in Pekin and of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Pekin.

She was a receptionist for the Miller Senior Citizens Center, where she also played the piano and served as chorus director for the Miller Melodies for 10 years.

She enjoyed writing poetry, music and her birds.

Her funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2009at Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin. The Rev. Gary L. Ford will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Burial will be in Cuba Cemetery in Cuba, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace United Methodist Church, 503 North 4th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.