Helen Ruth Christensen

February 22, 1928 - July 26, 2012

Helen Ruth Christensen (nee Burkhardt) Age 84, of Gardner, IL, passed away Thursday, July 26, 2012 at Heritage Health in Dwight, IL. Born February 22, 1928 in Coal City, IL to the late Orville and Jennie (nee Goldie) Burkhardt. Helen was previously employed at Fox Center in Dwight, IL and the South Wilmington Schools as a cook. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in South Wilmington, Royal Neighbors, and Senior Citizens of Grundy County. Helen was very well known for her wonderful baking and she also had a wonderful gift of making everyone feel as they were special. Surviving are two sons, William (Diane) Christensen of Fairborn, OH and Dean (Linda) Christensen of Gardner; two daughters, Lynn (Craig) Patten of Dwight, IL and Lori (Thomas) Sebek of Gardner; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two brothers, James (Shirley) Burkhardt of Joliet, IL and Richard (Fern) Burkhardt of Dwight; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death was her husband, Lyle George Christensen; one grandson, Jonathan Christensen; one brother, William Burkhardt; three sisters, Patricia (John) Landers, Aileen (Harold) Gentry, and Dian Burkhardt; and one sister-in-law, Arla Wilson. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial service will be at the United Methodist Church in South Wilmington, Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Kevin Boesen will officiate. Inurnment will be in Goodfarm Cemetery in Gardner. The visitation will be at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes, Ltd., South Wilmington Chapel, Tuesday, from 9-10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to the United Methodist Church or OSF Hospice in Bloomington. Please sign the online guestbook at www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com.