Florence Marie Helms went to be with the Lord December 15, 2006 at Centralia Hospital after a long illness.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, December 21, 2006 at Grace Bible Church, with a visitation an hour prior. Rev. Dan Franklin will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery Mayview. Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory 1900 S. Philo Rd. Urbana is handling the arrangements. She was born January 7, 1932 to Fred and Ida Zerbst of Houghton. She married Marlin Helms of Norfolk, VA. November 24, 1951, he preceded her in death in 1990. Marlin and Florence traveled the world together and settled in central Illinois after 21 years of military service.

Florence is survived by her loving children Marlin of Knoxville, TN; Richard of Champaign, IL; James of Hammond, IL; Steve of Twin Lakes MI; William of Golden, CO; Audrey of Mahomet, IL; Karen of Hammond, IL; with 21 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her loving family Helen and Bob Bowden of Hancock, Shirley Wuopi of Lake Linden, Donald and Ruth Zerbst of Ironwood, James and Beth Zerbst of Houghton, Mike Zerbst of Hurontown and David Zerbst of Pembine, WI.

She is preceded in death by Catherine, Fred, Robert, John, Raymond and Dennis.

Florence's love, patience, and care endowed the love of life in everyone that knew her. She was our 'salt of life'. Memorials may be made to the family in care of Karen Chesnut.

Condolences may be offered at renner-wikofffchapel.com