Helen Marie Simonson

OTTAWA -- Helen Marie Simonson, age 79, of Ottawa, passed away 5:55 p.m. Sunday, July 31, 2011 at Heritage Manor in Streator. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Gladfelter Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Helen was born October 9, 1931 at Ottawa, Illinois, a daughter of Lawrence and Ruth (Mathes) Mattes. She married Curtis Simonson August 20, 1950 at Ottawa. He preceded her in death April 6, 2002. Surviving are her children, Curtis (Chris) Simonson of Pittsfield, IL, Laurie Cunniff of Ottawa and Dawn (John) Swanson of Streator. Also surviving are sisters, Ruth Alleman of Ottawa and Janice (George "Tom") Hickey of Grand Ridge; grandchildren, Curtis and Carrie Simonson, Chad O'Donnell, Sarah and Ryne Cunniff. Her parents, a son in infancy, and two sisters, Marilyn Callahan and Eleanor Nodland, preceded her in death. Helen was a member of the First Baptist Church. She was Head Majorette for the Ottawa Township High School Band in 1948 and 1949 and was state champion in baton twirling in those same years. In 1965 she and her husband, Curtis, started White Oak Campground in Utica and worked together there until his death in 2002. They designed and built the campground and swimming pool to the enjoyment of thousands over the years. Helen and Curtis met many people and developed numerous friendships and memories while operating the campground. Both were assets to and developed a good relationship with the Utica community. Helen is a past member of the Utica Businessmen's Association. She dearly enjoyed time spent with her family. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a charity to be designated at a later date or to the Ottawa Township High School Music Department.