WASHINGTON - Helen S. Hickman, of Washington, Illinois, was received by her Savior on December 26, 2020, with her beloved children by her side. Helen was born to Beulah (Boland) and George Sowder on January 11, 1925, in Galesburg, Illinois. She had one sister, Dorothy Raymond, who preceded her. Helen met Noah C. Hickman on the campus of Western Illinois University in 1942, and they married on August 10, 1947, after he returned from serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II. Noah preceded her in death on January 17, 2020, following 72 years of marriage. Helen is survived by her daughter, Susan (Brian) Butler, and her son, Roger Hickman, all of Washington. Helen is also survived by four grandchildren whom she dearly loved, Kyle, Emily, Melissa and Lauren, and by eleven great-grandchildren who brought her great delight. Helen graduated from WIU and dedicated her work life to teaching 8th grade Language Arts for Washington District 52. Countless students communicated their gratitude to Helen for teaching how to compose the written word, appreciate literature, and be grammatically correct. Her students graduated knowing not to dangle a participle. After retiring from her teaching career, Helen joined Noah in a ten-year career as tour guides for Peoria Charter Coach, and in countless adventures as world-wide travel companions. They lived an incredible life, full of friends, dancing, singing, bridge games and potlucks. Helen was a dedicated member of Crossroads United Methodist Church, serving in many capacities over the years. She liked to knit, but she loved to read, always having a book in process. Helen was a wonderful, spirited, and fun friend, and she dearly appreciated all her friends who were so loving to her. She was gracious to every person. Nothing was more treasured by Helen than Noah and her family. She dedicated her entire being to Noah's care as his health failed, and their dedication to each other serves as a powerful example of true marriage. Helen was a wonderful, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who made a profound impact on every member of her family. The family expresses sincere gratitude to the staff of Holly Brook Assisted Living Center in Washington, Illinois, for their love, care and insightful compassion toward both Noah and Helen during the seven years they resided there. The family will hold private services, due to the coronavirus, with burial in Glendale Cemetery in Washington. Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be given to Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington. Helen's memorial website is available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com where condolences may also be sent to the family.