Helen Sutton

Helen Julia Sutton was born February 16, 1917 in Stephen, Minnesota and died on January 15, 2021 in Princeton, Illinois.

Helen was the oldest of three daughters born to Henry and Mabel Hamann.  They were a farm family of German heritage, so hard work and moral values were second nature to her.  Honesty, integrity, loyalty, faith, and most of all love which radiated from her were traits she held throughout her life.  Helen loved God’s creations and taught her children Robert, James, and Patricia to love the world as well.  She enjoyed life at every stage, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  Nothing thrilled her more than caring for her family, neighbors, and friends.  She was always ready to sponsor the Easter egg hunt, Christmas, sandwiches for a hike, bonfires with hot dogs, or a “Hobo” party for the kids.  It didn’t need to be a special occasion for her to do something special.

An iconic “woman for all seasons” she taught her children to hunt, fish, build snowmen, to work and play as well as the important values to live full and joyous lives.  Her laugh would light up a room, and the few times she needed to show authority or discipline, she did it without hesitation and with a purpose in mind.  She possessed that knowledge and love of people that we all seek.

At 103 years of age, she lived long after most of her peers including her two sisters, Marge and Bernice, and her husband, Ralph.  Her great-granddaughter, Lily Maeve Sutton also preceded her in death and it almost seems that Helen needed to be sure everyone was safe before she could continue on her way.  She was the kind of person you want to emulate.

Helen is survived by her three children, eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren (the 21st is due this April).  A celebration of Helen’s life will be held at a later date, most likely with a family hot dog roast and bonfire, the kind of gathering she loved to have.  She will be interred at Davenport Memorial Park in Davenport, Iowa next to her husband, sisters, and parents.