This memorial website was created to remember Helen Jean Bybee who was born in Peoria, Illinois on September 19, 1930 and passed away on August 9, 2008. She will live forever in our memories and hearts.
Helen Jean Bybee, 77, of Chillicothe, passed away at 3:46 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2008, at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria.
Helen was born in Peoria on September 19, 1930, a daughter of James Horace and Jesse Edna (Murphy) Chittum. She married Robert A. Bybee, Sr. on December 24, 1949 in Lewistown. He preceded her in death on August 18, 2002 in Peoria. She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter-in-law, Kelli A. Bybee; six sisters; and one brother.
She is survived by her five sons, Robert A. (Vicki) Bybee, Jr. of Ballwin, MO, Gary L. (Toni) Bybee of Peoria, David W. Bybee of Peoria, Jeffery H. Bybee, Sr. of Chillicothe and John J. Bybee of Peoria; four sisters, Glenna Y. Parkinson of Chillicothe, Mona L. McCollum of Bartonville, Beverly J. (Lee) Davis of Peoria and Carol L. (Lloyd Force) Gleason of Creve Coeur; eighteen grandchildren; and twenty-five great grandchildren.
Helen graduated from Illinois Central College and the St. Francis School of Nursing. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse, retiring from the Proctor Hospital Surgical Unit in 1987.
She was a foster mother for many years and was formerly involved in bowling leagues through Pleasure Island and Town & Country bowling alleys. She was also a long time member at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Chillicothe.
Helen enjoyed spending time with her family, bowling, crocheting, reading and showing love to her grandchildren. She enjoyed watching the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs, collecting cups and china and listing to ballads and country music. Her favorite performers were Frank Sinatra and Wayne Newton, but her favorite song was “Holes in the Floor of Heaven”, by Collin Raye.
Her favorite times were spent at their trailer on the Mississippi and fishing in the johnboat with her family. They are proud of her for becoming a nurse and for the way she raised them. She had a loving heart and a lot of “spunk”. She faced many obstacles during her life, but she always had the ability to overcome them. She will be remembered as a loving, caring and gentle woman. She always had a smile on her face and was always there for whoever needed help.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2008, at her church, with the Rev. Steven Mall officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2008, also at her church. Interment will be held at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mark Lutheran Church in Chillicothe.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Donald D. Clary, funeral director through the Chillicothe Mortuary.
I have so much to say about this wonderful woman! She basically raised me since birth and I owe my whole life to her, I love her like a mother. She always knew what to say to make me feel like I was the most special person in the world. She was one of the strongest individuals that I have every had the pleasure of knowing. I still think about her everyday and I will never forget everything she did for me and my sister. I love you grannie you are the best of us! Love your Lil Jay Jesse Boo 8)
What can I say about a woman I loved like a mother. She was always there for me when I needed someone. From our great trips to Turtle Lake fishing to quite moments at her house. Memories I will cherrish forever. She taught me how to love unconditionally. She was a very special person. I will miss her.
My sister Kelli was Helens daughter-in-law. So I was around Helen growing up and through the years. Always a good time to be had at Bob and Helens, Lots of coffee, laughing, kids, food and stories. I loved her laugh and the way she loved her kids and grandkids so much. Im sure she is in heaven with Kelli and Bob now so Helen please give my sis a big kiss for me and tell her that I Love Her and Miss her so much.
| Jill and Tim Sunderland |
Friends |
August 14, 2008 |
Bybee family, So sorry we missed your moms services. She was the strongest woman I have ever known. You are all in our thoughts as you face the days ahead.
| Patti Schmidgall Tate |
Toni, Gary, Gary Lee, and Virginia..... |
August 13, 2008 |
With deepest sympathy.......We are sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers. 
What a perfect song! God Bless!
The Schmidgall Family
Farmington, IL
| Dan Hipple |
My condolences |
August 13, 2008 |
I am sorry to hear of Helen's passing. Seeing the notice in the Canton paper brought back a flood of memories of family reunions and large holiday gatherings in Canton when I was a kid. Yet to this day, every Thanksgiving, I think about sitting and watching Bob and Helen making Turkey Salad sandwiches from left over turkey with a hand grinder at the table in the kitchen at their house in Peoria. They were great. My thoughts are with you all.
| George Wilson |
With Deepest Sympathy |
August 13, 2008 |
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Helen Bybee.
| Janet (McIrvin) Johnson |
Condolences |
August 12, 2008 |
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
