Helen J. Strode, 89, of Pekin passed away at 1:15 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2024 at Apostolic Christian Restmor in Morton, surrounded by family.
We would like to thank the dedicated staff at Restmor and Professional Therapy Services for all the outstanding care, comfort and compassion they provided Helen and our family.
Helen will be remembered for so many wonderful things, but especially her dedication and unconditional love for her family and friends, a great sense of humor and her sheer strength of will and toughness.
Born Aug. 17, 1934, in Pekin to Peter and Mabel Anagusta (Wineburner) Grubb, Helen was raised on a farm at the edge of Pekin and Tremont along with four sisters, Lela Niesman, Nina Hughes, Ila June Grubb and Patsy Shepherd, all of whom preceded her in death.
Growing up on a farm shaped Helen’s view of the world including her work ethic, resiliency and the strong family values she would pass on to her kids and grandkids. She loved being raised on a farm, saying, “As a kid, it felt like it was the whole world. We had everything we needed and every day the sun would rise over the barn and set beyond the house.” She attended Sugar Grove, a one-room schoolhouse, through 8th grade, then Pekin Community High School. After graduating, she worked at Farmers Auto for two years before joining Caterpillar in 1954.
One Thursday night, in August of 1955, Helen was coaxed by a friend to go to Nelo’s Bar in Pekin, where she would meet Bob Strode, launching one of the great love stories of all time. They were married on June 3, 1956, and it proved to be the perfect partnership, building a life together filled with love, laughter, adventure and happiness. It’s hard to envision two souls more connected and committed to each other. Bob preceded her in death.
In 1960, Helen and Bob had a new house, a new car and a new baby, Lori (Wes Jacobson) Strode of Dunlap. Helen chose to stay home and raise the family after Lori was born while Bob worked at Pekin Insurance before becoming Owner and President of Clifton-Strode Insurance and Real Estate in 1965.
That decade would bring two more daughters, Sandy (Kurt) Zuercher and Julie (John) Campbell, both of Pekin, and one son, Robert M. (Jennifer) Strode of Morton, who all survive her.
Helen’s love for children, her maternal instincts and endless patience made her the perfect mom, and family was her focus. She was both thoughtful and intentional in how she created our family’s collective sense of “home” that we all carry with us to this day. Looking back now, we marvel at her time management skills and energy. She was the parent that volunteered for the classroom, the field trip and the scouts, no matter the time commitment. She encouraged us to participate and provided every opportunity from dance lessons, musical instruments, sports, etc., making sure we were at every practice, recital and game on time, dressed right, had the best gear and the snack we didn’t know we needed. She would always be in the audience watching to celebrate the wins and put the loses in perspective, somehow knowing exactly what to say. She was in tune with every aspect of our lives, but could still surprise us with a handwritten note snuck in our jacket pocket or lunch box saying “Have a great day!” or “Good luck on the math test” on the day we needed encouragement the most.
Christmas was her favorite holiday, and every year she made it feel special. She loved the house being decorated, gifts under the tree and stockings hung, but her favorite part was the family all together, laughing, telling stories and the excitement as everyone opens their gifts. One year, she invited us for a July cookout, but when we arrived there was a decorated tree complete with gifts, and Mom smiling saying “It’s Christmas in July!”
The 1990s and early 2000s brought seven grandchildren, Allie Zuercher, Sarah (Bryce) Barnes, Megan Campbell, Nicholas Campbell, Jake Zuercher, Robert A. Strode and Bailey Strode. They all survive her.
Watching Helen with the grandchildren taught us how to be parents and allowed us to relive our childhood through their eyes. She taught them how to love, be silly, have fun and how amazing a family Christmas can be. She was always taking pictures to capture the moments, and we are still finding new photos of our kids, at various ages, from their visits to her house. She continues to surprise us. To the very end, Helen would light up whenever the grandchildren entered the room.
She was smart, tough, funny, a role model, problem-solver, a doer, and a caretaker to anyone who was in her presence. She was a great wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and we’re pretty sure, Mrs. Claus. She was the storybook mother everyone aspires to be and the mom we wish everyone could have in their lives. She made every aspect of our lives better and will forever be the voice inside our heads. We miss her terribly.
With Helen’s passing, we have now lost both our parents in the last two years, changing our world forever. It’s true you don’t get to choose your parents and we have always realized and appreciated how lucky we are in life’s lottery. Not only for the wonderful, caring and selfless people they were, but also how much quality time we got to spend with them. We are eternally grateful.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. The Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate, with a eulogy given by Paula Davis. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Antioch Cemetery in rural Tremont.
Memorial contributions may be made to Toys for Tots or St. Paul United Church of Christ in Pekin.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com.
Posted online on July 31, 2024
Published in Peoria Journal Star
