Helen M. Mustain

GALESBURG - Helen M. Mustain, 98, of Galesburg, died at 7:45 p.m., Sunday, March 5, 2023 at her home.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 8 at Williamsfield Cemetery with a viewing available at 10:30 a.m. in the cemetery for those who wish to see her. Her son, Dave Mustain will officiate. Memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor's choice. Rux Funeral Home in Williamsfield is in charge of arrangements.

She was born November 27, 1924 in Huntsville, IL, the daughter of Amos and Edna (Fisher) Mayfield. She married James W. Mustain on June 8, 1946 in Maywood, IL and he preceded her in death on September 2, 1969. Survivors include her two sons, Dave (Twila) Mustain of Knoxville and Gary Mustain of Galesburg, a daughter, Mary Ann Wagner of Ellisville, IL, eleven grandchildren and thirteen great children (with one on the way). She was also preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Arthur, a son-in-law, Sherman, her daughter, Karen Huff and granddaughter, Angie McNutt.

Helen was employed as a payroll clerk at the International Shoe Factory in Quincy. She was then employed doing office work in the Chicago area after she was married, and soon after moved to her husband’s family farm, near Williamsfield. She was a housewife with 4 children. When she was left a widow at the age of 44, on the farm, she bravely and without concern for herself, continued to raise her children independently. She never showed a moment of fear or concern to her family. Helen loved and trusted her Lord and always turned to him for comfort and guidance. In later years she worked as an aide in homes of the elderly. This was a job she loved and was greatly loved by those that she served. Finally, she worked as a registration secretary at Carl Sandburg College in the Adult Learning Center helping students to register for GED and ESL classes. She fully retired at the age of 80.

Her humor held up to the very end. Nurse: How do you feel Helen? Helen: With my fingers! She spent her final days singing hymns and praying. One of the songs she sang was, “Lord I’m Coming Home”. She spoke of “going home” and seeing her Lord” very often, especially at the end. As always, she was a comfort to her family with her faith and humor, and she led us on her journey with confidence and grace.

Helen’s life was centered around her four children, eleven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren (and one on the way). Family was so important to Helen and she loved visits, phone calls, and holiday celebrations. She was a tremendous baker and always graced her family and friends with cookies and brownies. Helen was skilled in crocheting (making many afghans for her family), and also was talented at embroidery. Helen will always be remembered by her family and friends as a kind, gentle, and giving soul with a wonderful sense of humor.

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