Helen L. (Francis) Paul

Helen L. Paul, 85, of Monmouth, IL, passed away at 9:30 am, Thursday, March 2, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family after a brief bout with cancer. 

Helen was born on March 23, 1937, in Kirkwood, Illinois to Robert Norman and Elizabeth Lee (Hunt) Francis. 

She initially attended a one room schoolhouse, Coonville School, followed by Kirkwood High School graduating in 1955. After high school, she attended and graduated from Monmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Psychology and a minor in Physical Education. While attending Monmouth College, she was a member of the Rifle Club and the Synchronized Swimming Club. She also was a very proud member of Pi Beta Phi and continued to be involved with the local chapter throughout her lifetime. She was a lifetime member of Chapter T of PEO.

Helen married Dr. James E. Paul on June 9, 1958, in the church that her father helped build, the Kirkwood United Methodist Church and he survives.

Helen was a wonderful daughter, mother, grand and great grandmother, avid fisherman, chef, lifeguard at Young’s Lake, teacher, athlete, bowler, golfer, friend and card shark (she was a member of four Bridge Clubs). She taught Sunday School at the First United Methodist Church of Monmouth. She was a member of the Buchanan Center for the Arts. Helen was a long-time member of the Monmouth Country Club and often helped with landscaping and gardening. She won many Monmouth Country Club Golf Tournaments. Every child, grandchild and greatgrandchild have a beautiful sweater and afghan, hand knitted for them. She enjoyed all card games, puzzles, and games that kept families together at the dinner table. Helen holds the unofficial record of the most books checked in and out of the Monmouth Public Library. She was a finalist in the very first Monmouth Prime Beef Festival Pageant.

Helen was a homemaker, wife and mother.  Following raising her family she assisted her husband at his dental office.

She is survived by her daughter, Lori (Curtis) Schrock, Kirkwood, IL, sons, Dr. Robert F. (Beth) Paul of Liberty, MO, Dr. James F. (Amy) Paul of Bettendorf, IA and Dr. David D. (Melissa) Paul of Kearney, MO; her grandchildren: Gretchen Schrock and Grant (Stephanie Adams) Schrock, Jeff M. (Breckin) Paul and Dr. Katie E. Paul, Kari Ann Paul, Dr. Brian J. Paul, Emily F. Paul, Matthew D. Paul, Allison C. (Calvin) Jacobson, Dr. Meagan E. (Eric) Farley, and Nathan D. Paul; her great-grandchildren, Ava June and Wren Avery Jacobson.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial services will be 10:00 am, Saturday, March 11, 2023, at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, Il. A private family interment at Center Grove Cemetery, Kirkwood at a later date.  Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm, Friday, March 10, 2023, at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church of Monmouth, Pi Beta Phi Sorority or Monmouth Country Club and sent to the funeral home.  For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com. 

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