WEST BROOKLYN - Helen R. Davis, 98, of West Brooklyn died peacefully at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford on March 31, 2020.

Helen had arranged for her remains to go to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois. A celebration of her life followed by a brief memorial service will be scheduled later.

Helen was born Dec. 9, 1921 in Allison, Iowa to Gladys and Jake Arjes. She married Wallace F. Davis on Sept. 28, 1940 in Clinton, Iowa.

Survivors include three sons, Larry (Sue) of Milton, Wis., Dave (Sandra) of Oregon and Mike (Deana) of West Brooklyn; nine grandchildren, Holly, Nick, Heather, Kris, Sam, Shannon, James, Kyler and Korey; 15 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Richard of Mesa, Ariz.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Joy McClallen; two grandsons, Jason Davis and Jon Davis; four sisters, Bernice, Betty, Wilma and Linda; and five brothers, Allie, Jake, Robert, Donald and Jerry.

Helen grew up in the Compton area. She cared for Larry and gave birth to Dave while her husband fought in World War II. She was a member of the Compton Methodist Church where she once taught Sunday school. She practiced the “Golden Rule” throughout her life and always put others first. She deeply loved her family and was always there for them as their best friend with unconditional love. And, as grandchildren lost mothers, she became their surrogate mother.

Helen loved to garden and preserved much harvested food. Until recently, she still canned pickle relish and salsa for all to enjoy. When her children were young, she used her sewing skills to make many of their clothes. Later she enjoyed quilting with her sisters and in-laws. Helen and her husband made their home in the country, a place where all could come to fly, fish, ride ponies, play with their many pets, or just enjoy the solitude of nature. When she could no longer live alone, she moved across the road to live out her life under the loving care of Mike and Deana.

Memorials may be directed to the Compton Methodist Church. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.