Helen R Lillard (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Helen Ruth Reading Lillard, son of Joseph and Nellie Stokes Purdy, was born January 31, 1924, near Niangua, Missouri. She departed this life Tuesday, December 18, 2012, in Christian Health Care North, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-eight years, ten months, and seventeen days.
Early in her life she was united in marriage to Joseph C. Reading, and to this union one daughter and two sons were born.
Later, she was united in marriage to Lawrence Lillard, who also preceded her in death.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Joan Pline.
Helen is survived by a daughter, Mary Sherrer, and her husband, Donnie, of Republic, Missouri; two sons, Michael Reading, and his wife, Janet, of Lebanon, Missouri, and Charles Reading, of Bennett Spring, Missouri; four grandchildren, Joshua, Ben, Patrick, and Matthew; five great-grandchildren, Ian, Eli, Abby, Alexis, and Lillyanna; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in the Niangua area, and moved with her family to the Millcreek community, where she graduated from Stoutland High School. She then made her home in Kansas City during World War II, and worked in an ammunition plant. She studied to be a radio operator and then worked for Eastern Airlines in Tampa, Florida. During that time, she was thrilled to have met Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, the World War I flying ace. She also obtained her private pilots license. After she and Joseph were married, they made their home in France while Joseph was serving in the military, and then moved to Virginia before coming back to Missouri. The family made their home on their farm, near Lebanon, and Helen brought her love of France to the farm. In addition to being a devoted homemaker to her husband and family, Helen worked as a secretary for Appleby Boats for several years.
Helen was a member of Oakland Heritage Church of God, near Oakland, Missouri.
She was a Pink Lady volunteer at Mercy Hospital in Lebanon for several years. In her spare time she enjoyed cooking, and reading. She liked raising sheep and geese, and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Helen was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and will cherish the wonderful memories she created for her family and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Helen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Helen?
Share a story where Helen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Helen you’ll never forget.
How did Helen make you smile?
