Helen (Shanks) Root

Helen Root, age 70, of Rushville, IL passed away Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL. She was born August 3, 1954, in Bedford, IL to Lottie Shanks. Helen married Emmett Dean Carter and later married Mike Root.

Helen grew up in the Bedford area and was of the Christian faith. When Dean was in the service, they lived in Okinawa, Japan and later moved to Georgia before heading back to Pike County to raise their family. She worked at Excel and cooked at several area restaurants and operated her own restaurant in Pearl. Helen later became a CNA and worked at Eastside Healthcare in Pittsfield and Rushville Nursing Home. Helen was an excellent cook and caring and wonderful mother who always took care of everyone else including her loyal dogs. She had a great personality and was selfless and hardworking woman who will be dearly missed by her children and grandchildren.

Helen is survived by sons, Shawn (Laura) Carter, Nathan (Tammy) Carter, Gregory (Michelle) Root and Jared (Amanda) Root; thirteen grandchildren; six great grandchildren with another on the way; and brother, Tony Holmes.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Lottie Shanks; and brother, Lee Holmes.

Cremation rites have been accorded and Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Detroit Town Hall in Detroit, IL. Memorials are suggested to be made to Pike County Animal Shelter. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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