June 8, 1938 – October 27, 2019
Helen Joan Wills, 81, Jolietville, passed away on Sunday afternoon, October 27, 2019 at Kokomo Healthcare Center. Born June 8, 1938 in Jolietville, she was the daughter of the late Alva and Louella (Pitzer) Tudor.
Helen worked several part-time jobs throughout the years, including working in the credit department for Paul Harris, a retail clerk with Wm H. Block Department Store, and various positions at Woods Wire and Leatherite.
Helen lived life to its fullest. As a young adult, she enjoyed roller skating and never missed an opportunity to go dancing over at the Moose Lodge. However, her fondness for these activities paled in comparison to her love of racing – drag racing in particular. Helen wasn’t just a fan, she was an active participant. All challengers were welcome; if someone thought they could beat Helen off the line, bring it on. She loved racing for the trophies, titles and hardware, but everyone knew it was really all about the bragging rights. In her later years she traded in the drag strip for the Bingo hall. Still as competitive as ever, Helen enjoyed the prizes that came with the games, but is was still about the bragging rights. When she had some time to relax, she loved watching classic movies and TV shows, especially those featuring her favorite Hollywood star, Doris Day.
Helen is survived by her son, Rick Lee Bannon (Laurie), Kirklin; daughter, Corliss Jean Henson (friend, Michael McCollum), Anderson; and her three grandchildren, Chad Wesley Clark, Kylee Nicole Bannon and Gunnar Joseph Bannon.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Annabelle Harrison; her brother-in-law, Jack Harrison, Sr., and by her loving husband, Don Earl Willis on July 28, 2004. She and Don were married on April 21, 1972.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at Eagle Creek Cemetery, located in rural Westfield. Pastor George Cooper will be officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2019 at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan.
Arrangements
Calling: 5 to 8 p.m., Nov. 1
Location: Kercheval Funeral Home
Graveside service: 11 a.m., Nov. 2
Location: Eagle Creek Cemetery
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com