Helen Lois Stoner

URBANA — Helen Lois Stoner, 98, of Urbana passed away at 9:14 a.m. Sunday (May 20, 2018) at Champaign County Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 25, 2018, at Mount Hope Mausoleum, Champaign. The family will receive visitors for 30 minutes prior to the funeral.

Helen was born July 10, 1919, in Ogden, to parents Charles and Cora (Lee) Wright. They preceded her in death.

In 1938, she married H. Eugene Stoner. He passed away in 1998. Also preceding her in death were her son, Gene Stoner II; grandson, Jeff Stoner; brother, Charles “Sonny” Wright; and sister, Betty Ross.

She is survived by her son, Michael L. Stoner of St. Charles; grandchildren, Michael E., Laura, Kelli, Ryan, Adam and Erin; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; two nephews; one niece; and one daughter-in-law.

Helen graduated from Urbana High School. She worked as a bookkeeper for over 20 years, working for Black Hawk Optical and Bailey Himes Sporting Goods. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Urbana, where she also volu nteered. Helen loved to dance. She especially enjoyed ballroom and swing dancing at the Regency in Savoy with her late husband, Gene, where they were members of the “White Hat Club.” She was an amazing seamstress, embroiderer and crocheter. Helen made hundreds of beautiful afghans, which she bestowed upon her family and friends. Helen was also an avid Illini fan.

Since Helen adored animals, her family requests that in lieu of other expressions of sympathy, any memorial contributions be made to Champaign County Humane Society. Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel.com.

Champaign News-Gazette 5/22/2018