Helen E. Emerson

Helen Elizabeth Emerson, age 95, passed away on Monday February 20, 2012 at Heritage Health Center surrounded by her family.

She was born on February 10, 1917 in Williams Twp., near Elkhart, the daughter of Alfred and Ella Noonan Budd. She married Dwight Emerson on November 21, 1945. Helen retired as a salad maker from Heritage House Smorgasbord and spent her retirement years gardening, bird watching and shopping at Shop 'N Save and Wal-Mart. Helen was a greeter at her church on Sunday mornings and always a hug and word of good cheer for everyone. Most importantly, Helen was devoted to her family. Helen was preceded in death by her husband Dwight, brother Alfred and sisters Alberta, Betty, Elsie and Ellen.

She is survived by three children, Robert (Kathleen), Dale (JoAnn) and Sherry Lange (Ray), sister-in-law Elsie Budd, sister-in-law Mary Ann Phillips (David), brother-in-law Melvin (Marjorie) and brother-in-law Glen Brown. There are 5 grandchildren, Robert, Charity, Rosann, Julie and Geoffrey. She had 7 great grandchildren, Brennan, Grace, Ethan, Evan, Merry Joy, Kelly and Katelyn and several nephews and nieces.

The family welcomes friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 South Koke Mill Road, Springfield, IL The funeral ceremony will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at the Chatham United Methodist Church, 104 West Chestnut Street, Chatham, IL with Pastor Sara Isbell officiating. Burial will be in the Chatham Community Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chatham United Methodist church, 104 West Chestnut Street, Chatham, IL 62629

Please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.