Helen Whetstone

Helen Christina Whetstone, 90 of Carmi, passed away Saturday morning June 23, 2018 at Wabash Christian Village.  She was born on July 16, 1927 “out home” in Burnt Prairie Township, the daughter of Henry and Caroline “Carrie” (Pfister) Morrill.  She was baptized on June 27, 1943 in Skillet Fork River near “out home”.  Helen was a graduate of Carmi Township High School and completed College courses at Frontier College in Fairfield.

She married John L. Whetstone on January 3, 1951 in Corinth, Mississippi.  She was the mother of Margaret A. Pool, Steven L. Whetstone, Charles A. (Robin) Whetstone and The Rev. Mary S. Whetstone (John Mainieri); grandchildren, Christi (Andy) Williams, Nathan L. (Lauren) Whetstone, John S. (Kris) Whetstone, and Amy S. Whetstone; great-grandchildren, Harper, Makayla, Kyzen, Gage, Braden and Aiden; special nieces and nephews, to whom she was known as Aunt Teen; and many friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Clifford and John Henry Morrill; sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy (Fred) Ackerman, Rosemary (James) Ackerman, Sylvia Ann (Gene) McLin; father of her children, John L. Whetstone and sons-in-law, Charles K. “Chuck” Robinson and Stanley K. Pool.

While her children were in school, she was a member of the Parent Teacher Association and served several terms as President.  She belonged to American Legion Auxiliary (60 year member) serving as President; Eastern Star May Chapter #783, Norris City, served as Worthy Matron at Burnt Prairie Lodge; Joy Singers in Fairfield and traveled and sang in many states (sang many solos and duets) First United Methodist Church, where she was a 60 year member, sang in the church choir, Beacon Sunday School Class, trained and assisted acolytes, helped with Vacation Bible School at Liberty Baptist Church in Burnt Prairie; and Democratic Women’s Association.

She enjoyed reading with Second Graders at Jefferson School; Word Search, 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles, many of which she had framed and decorate the walls of Supportive Living of Wabash; and was a volunteer at White County Medical Center Auxiliary; she recorded 4 records and was accompanied by her sister, Sylvia Ann.

Her first job was as a Telephone Operator, then quickly transitioned to Carmi-Feature Underware, Inc., White County Clerk’s Office; and the Valu Shop (dress shop in Carmi). Her main careers were as a Chiropractic Assistant to Dr. Fred L. Smith for 15 years; Assistant Manager at Burnt Prairie Plaza (Whetstone’s Restaurant); Assistant Manager of chuck Wagon Charlie’s (Burnt Prairie).

She was the first lady to ever been chosen Valentine Queen at both Evergreen Acres and  Wabash Supportive Living.  She won 8 awards for Model Handwriting (same at the age of 90, as it always had been!).  Helen always said “Carmi is so fortunate to have Evergreen Acres and Supportive Living.”  She had the honor and privilege of being the very first resident to move into the Supported Living of Wabash.

Helen was always cheerful and always wore a smile.  Her family and friends were most important to her.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Carmi, with Chaplain Mike Fields officiating, and burial in Burnt Prairie Cemetery.Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at stendebackfamilyfuneralhome.com