Helen Rich

Helen Rich, 85, of Robinson, IL died at 6:50 a.m. on Friday, November 16, 2018 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family. She was born April 6, 1933 in Flat Rock, IL the daughter of Isaac L. & Mary Ellen (Branson) Parker, both of whom preceded her in death. She married Mervin Rich on August 8, 1953, and he preceded her in death on January 17, 2009. She was also preceded in death by her son, Randy Rich on March 21, 2012; and by her brother, Robert “Bob” Parker on May 30, 2013. She is survived by her daughter & son-in-law, Susan & Tony Droste (Robinson, IL); by her daughter-in-law, Kelly Rich-Dunlap (Robinson, IL); by 5 grandchildren, Amber Droste-McAvoy & Tim McAvoy (Chattanooga, TN), Ashley & Brandon Vignolo (Evansville, IN), Ryerson & Abbey Rich (Indianapolis, IN), Roston & Paige Rich (Robinson, IL), and Ra’Kel & Colt Duke (Tucson, AZ); by six great-grandchildren, Gavin Vignolo, Gianna Vignolo, Easton Rich, Miles Rich, Khegan Duke, Kennedy Duke, as well as one on the way; by her sister & brother-in-law, Pat Hoagland-Strain & Gene Strain (Robinson, IL); by her sister-in-law, Becky Parker (Bowling Green, OH); as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Though born in Flat Rock, much of her childhood was spent in Benton, IL. She came back home to graduate from Robinson High School. Though she held a number of jobs, (she bookkept for Mervin, who was the township assessor, and was, herself, a tax assessor for a time), her life was dedicated to caring for her beloved family. They remember their mother and grandmother as a kind-hearted, empathetic soul who loved her children and especially grandchildren with every ounce of her being. Helen was also a woman of great faith, and she put her faith on display in a number of ways. She was a longtime and active member of the Flat Rock United Methodist Church, where she played piano alongside Mervin, who served as song leader for over 50 years. She also played for countless revivals, weddings, and funerals through the years. She always wanted to bless others, oftentimes with her exceptional homemade dishes. Anyone who knew her could attest to her living a full and loving, faith-filled life. Helen has fought the good fight, she has finished the race, and she has kept the faith. A time of visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 20th at the United Methodist Church in Flat Rock, IL. Services will immediately follow and will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Burial will be in the Jones Cemetery. Memorials may be made to God’s Littlest Angels, a Haitian orphanage that offers short-term assistance to children needing a place to stay due to ill health or the death of a parent but who are not for adoption. Envelopes will be available at the church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Flat Rock is in charge of arrangements.