Helen Bush

Helen Irene Bush, 97, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in her home surrounded by her family.

Helen was born Aug. 22, 1926, in Annapolis, Illinois, to Homer Shanks and Myrtie Jane (Chapman) Shanks. Helen married Ernest W. Bush Feb. 8, 1946 in Laporte, Indiana; he proceeded her in death Aug. 6, 1990.

She was a member of Green Forrest Church of Christ. Helen was a loving and supportive wife. A nurturing and beloved mother. Helen was known for the quilts she made, her first made in 1946 and then continuing, numbering into the hundreds for many special occasions: weddings, graduations, newborns, and many for friends and family.

Helen loved reading her Bible. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, working outside. She climbed The Mayan Pyramid in Belize and Mexico at the age of 77; the oldest on record that they knew of. Helen was adventurous riding ski lifts, ziplining across a river in her 90s.

Helen remained a loving mother to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed, but will always be in our hearts.

Helen is survived by three daughters, Rosemary Irene (Robert) Bailey of Jefferson City, Margaret Louise (Gary) Schoof of LaPorte, Indiana and Norma Jean (Art) Fisher; one brother, Lee Shanks of Nash, Texas; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Myrtie Shanks; two brothers; four sisters; and three great-great-grandchildren. A host of family and friends also survive.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. - noon Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 at Green Forest Church of Christ, Poplar Bluff. Funeral service will begin at noon. Interment to follow at Doniphan City Cemetery. Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Condolences may be made online at www.fitchhillisfh.com or on the Fitch-Hillis Facebook page.