Helen E. Gwillim

November 21, 1935 - January 28, 2021

Dateline: Bethalto Helen E. Gwillim, 85, of Pekin, formerly of Alton, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 7:13 am, at Unity Point Hospital in Pekin, Illinois, with family by her side. She was born November 21, 1935, in Chesterfield Macoupin County, to the late John H. and Maude (Huff) Abeln. She married Clarence A. "Sonny" Gwillim on June 6, 1963 in Alton. He preceded her in death on May 12, 2008. Helen is survived by her sister Peggy K. Hurt and brothers Bobby J. Abeln and C. Edward Dixon; step-children, John E. Gwillim and Sharon K. Gwillim; three grandsons, Jesse, Justin, and Josh Hazelip; 2 great grandchildren, Jace L. Hazelip and Emórie Alona Lynn Hazelip; She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 45 years; two sons, James Ridder, and Jeff Hazelip; five brothers, Kenneth Freer, John C. Abeln, Paul R. Abeln, Lewis R. Abeln, James R. Abeln; and two sisters, Charlotte Ethell and Pauline Duigiud. She was a member of Cottage Hill Baptist Church where she served faithfully in many areas of ministry. Helen loved to quilt, work in her flower garden, spend time at the Lake of the Ozarks and with family and friends. Memorials may be made to Cottage Hills Baptist Church. A Visitation will be held on Monday, February 1, 2021 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Elias Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton, IL. COVID-19 restrictions will be observed, and masks will be required. A Private service will be held at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey.