Lois A. Helton

Lois Aileen Helton, 86, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 3:12 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Shelbyville Manor, Shelbyville, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026, in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL with Father Rick Weltin as Celebrant. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL. Casual attire is requested. Memorials may be given to Shelbyville First United Methodist Church Food Pantry or Shelbyville Manor.

Lois was born on May 28, 1939, in Hutsonville, IL, the daughter of Courtney and Wintress Vena (Wade) McKittrick. She graduated from Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1958. Lois married Ronald Lee Helton on July 3, 1958. Lois worked many years as a babysitter and later worked at Sta-Rite Ginnie Lou in Shelbyville. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Shelbyville and served her community as an election judge. Lois was a talented pencil sketch artist and enjoyed bowling, reading, and playing cards and games. Most of all she found joy in being there for her family and spending time together.

Lois is survived by her daughter, Leslie Fathauer of Shelbyville, IL; son, Jesse Helton and wife Gwyn of Shelbyville, IL; sisters, Brenda Nardi (Danny) of Normal, IL, and Lucille Tubb (Jim) of Decatur, IL; eight grandchildren, Justin Fathauer (Monica), Chelsea Wildman (Rodney), Zachary Helton (Taylor), Aurora Poulos (Dr. Andrew), Bailee Shasteen (Cody), Cortland Helton (Jaide), Alexis Welton (Scott) and Cade Helton (Emmalee); three bonus grandchildren, Brandy Mieldezis (Josh), Jordan Smith (Ryleigh) and Ricci Smith; 16 great grandchildren, Bryce, Bodee, Maycie, Jasmine, Natilee, Jesse L., Kora, Theodore, Hadley, Beau, Rayna, Bella, Ivey, Marley, Cooper, and Jalen; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ron Helton on December 25, 2022; son, Danny Helton on December 4, 2025; son-in-law, David Fathauer; sisters, Darlene Crockett (Dwight), Joyce Young (Donald), and Nadine Graven (Robert); and stepfather, Lawrence McConnell.