Carol J. Helems, 84, of Washington, passed away at 1:30am Sunday, April 16, 2023 at her home.

Carol was born July 9, 1938 in Peoria to the late William and Gladys Ingram Garwood. She married Jerris L. "Moe" Helems on March 24, 1956 in Hernando, MS; he preceded her in death in 2019.

Surviving are her five children, John (Sherrie) Helems of Bartonville, Ronald Helems, Karen (Darryl) Suttle, Kevin (Teresa) Helems, and Shelly Helems, all of Washington; grandchildren, Jason and Valerie Helems, Lonnie Helems, Taunya Webster, Carrie Lyles and Darryl Suttle, Jr., Wyatt Helems, and Skylar Force; her great-grandchildren, Chase, Katlyn, Jaden, Kyler, Kaden, Kyra, Colton, Alyssa, Madison, Baylie, and Lilah; great-great-grandson Romeo and a great-great-granddaughter on the way.

She was also preceded in death by her great-granddaughter, Kylie; and her cat, Smokey.

Carol worked at Washington Kmart and later Key Industries, retiring in 2001. She enjoyed crocheting, going for walks, and relaxing on her porch or going out to eat with Moe. Her family was most important to her and she took great pride in raising and caring for them.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm Friday, April 21, 2023 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Pastor Jim Gorby will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.