Wilder, Lucy Mabel

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: WILD.L002

Notes:

Lucy Mabel Helm, age 101, of Flora, Illinois, and formerly of Olney and Clay City, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Friday, February 2, 2024, at Clay County Hospital.

Born December 14, 1922, in Knobel, Arkansas, she was the cherished daughter of Ralph Shirley Wilder and Anna Elizabeth (Summers) Wilder. Lucy's life was joined in marriage with Dr. John Edmund Helm Sr. on July 26, 1974. Their union, marked by love and companionship, lasted 31 years until his passing on October 15, 2005.

Affectionately known as “Granny” to her family, Lucy was celebrated for her spirited and resilient nature. She was a champion of kindness, always ensuring fairness and care for those around her. Cooking was not just a hobby but her way of expressing love, teaching four generations the art of home cooking. Her renowned specialties, especially her delicious fudge, Christmas candies, and sour cream coffee cake, became staples at the family table. She was happiest when she could share them with others and was proudest whenever someone requested her recipes. Up until transitioning from her home in 2018 at the remarkable age of 94, Lucy continued the cherished tradition of hosting Sunday dinners for her family.

Lucy's passions extended beyond the kitchen. She found joy in gardening, lovingly tending to her flowers, and was an avid reader, finishing her latest book just a few months ago. Professionally, she was an integral part of her husband’s ophthalmology practice at the Weber Medical Clinic in Olney, offering her support and assistance until his retirement in 1981. Their retirement years were spent enjoying being together. They were truly soulmates and shared their love with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her grandchildren: Cathy (Bill) Croy, Kevin (Tasha) Crown, and Melissa Leonberger; great-grandchildren: Adam (Lindsey) Croy, Jill (Nathan) Vock, Vanessa (Dustin) Pastrovich, Tyson Crown, Maddie Crown, and soon expected baby boy Crown; great-great-grandchildren: Reiston and Griffin Croy, Kennedy Davis, Sophia and Liam Vock, and Phoebe and Ben Pastrovich; son-in-law: Loren Dunigan; and daughter-in-law: Adele Crown.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; children: Davetta Dunigan, Lanny Crown, and Ralph Crown; a great-great-grandson: Parker; and siblings: Howard S. Wilder, Violet Leatha Wilder, Arthur R. Wilder, Bertha Jane Wilder Johns, Bessie Wilder Cooper, and Edward Earl Wilder.

A graveside memorial ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Crest Haven Memorial Park in Claremont. Those who wish to attend are asked to arrive directly at the cemetery. Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Memorial donations are suggested to Friends of the Flora Public Library, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.

Lucy married Crown, David Raley on 18 Oct 1953. David (son of Crown, Abram Julian and Raley, Kathryn Jeanet 'Kitty') was born on 16 Mar 1920 in Delaplaine, Greene County, Arkansas; died on 21 Aug 2014 in Lawrenceville, Lawrence County, Illinois; was buried in Foster Hill Cemetery, Clay City, Clay County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lucy married Helm, J. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Pinnick. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: CROW.D002
• _FGRAVE: 224028401

Notes:

Davey had worked at the Flora Medical Clinic before going on to work at the First National Bank, retiring as Vice President after 25 years. She was a faithful member of the Clay City United Methodist Church where she served as a lay speaker, Sunday School teacher, and assisted with youth group and bible school. She and Loren enjoyed traveling with friends, and she truly loved tending to her flowers, canning a variety of delicious vegetables from her garden, and the music and movies of Elvis Presley. Davey was a caregiver at heart and looked for ways to touch her family and others by lifting them up and brightening their day with a thoughtful handwritten note or card, a phone call, or even with a fresh baked pie.

Died:
Davetta Ann Dunigan, age 81, of Clay City, Illinois, passed away Monday, March 8, 2021, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

Family/Spouse: Dunigan, L.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: CROW.L003
• _FGRAVE: 82281757
• Military Service: Private First Class, United States Army

Notes:

Lanny had served in the U.S. Army in Panama and had been a member of the Clay City United Methodist Church.

Buried:
A graveside service will be held at 1 PM Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Foster Hill (Mt. Zion) Cemetery, Clay City, with Pastor Mark Canada officiating. Military honors will be presented at the conclusion of the service.

Military honors will be presented at the conclusion of the service.

Family/Spouse: ?, A.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Croy, B.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]