Shonna R. Helms

Shonna R. Helms, 45, of Cambridge, passed away at 1:30 a.m., Sunday, February 1, 2026 at the home of her mother in Neponset.

She was born December 12, 1980 in Princeton, the daughter of Michael William and Lucretia Ann (Thumma) Sloan. She married Robert W. Helms on April 16, 2005 and they later divorced. Survivors include her mother, Lucretia Sloan of Neponset, her two sons, Conner Helms and Colton Helms, both of Cambridge, a brother, Joshua Sloan of Kewanee, uncles, Chuck (Ginger) Thumma of Neponset and Steve (Jill) Sloan of Wyoming, cousins, Chris and Nick Thumma and Jackie, Ashley and Haley Sloan and her special friend, Chad Simaytis of Kewanee. She was preceded in death by her father, maternal grandparents, Charles and Millie Thumma and paternal grandparents, Leo and Barbara Sloan.

Shonna graduated from Wethersfield High School and obtained her bachelor’s degree in social work from Illinois State University and had worked at Kewanee Hospital, Winning Wheels, Mary Davis Home in Galesburg and for Braveheart. She also worked at the Bank of Orion and was currently the office manager for the building and zone division at the Henry County Courthouse. She enjoyed nature and taking in the beautiful countryside. She also enjoyed doing art, listening to music and girls’ night out with her friends. Shonna loved her family and cherished the time spent watching movies, playing games and especially attending her sons’ sporting events. She loved volunteering and was always willing to give a helping hand

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, February 5 at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee with Pastor Lisa Unger officiating. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the services at the funeral home. The burial will follow at Floral Hill Cemetery in Neponset. Memorials may be directed to Shonna’s sons.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shonna R. Helms, please visit our floral store.