Helen Irene (Shanks) Bush

Helen Irene Bush, 97, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Friday, February 23, 2024, in her home surrounded by her family.

Helen was born August 22, 1926, in Annapolis, Illinois, to Homer Shanks and Myrtie Jane (Chapman) Shanks.  Helen married Ernest W. Bush on February 8, 1946, in Laporte, Indianna; he proceeded her in death on August 6, 1990.

She was a member of Green Forrest Church of Christ.  Helen was a loving and supportive wife.  A nurturing and beloved mother.  Helen was known for the quilts she made, her first made in 1946 and then continuing, numbering into the hundreds for many special occasions: weddings, graduations, newborns, and many for friends and family. 

Helen loved reading her Bible.  She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, working outside.  She climbed The Mayan Pyramid in Belize and Mexico at the age of 77; the oldest on record that they knew of.  Helen was adventurous riding ski lifts, ziplining across a river in her 90’s. 

Helen is survived by three daughters: Rosemary Irene (Robert) Bailey of Jefferson City, Margaret Louise (Gary) Schoof of LaPorte, Indiana and Norma Jean (Art) Fisher; one brother: Lee Shanks of Nash, Texas; nine grandchildren: Anna, Kristen, Cara, Lindsey, Kimberly, Christopher, Janelle, Douglas, and Erica; fourteen great grandchildren: Megan, Britny, Tanner, Conner, Haven, Kayla, Dylan, Amanda, Jessica, Benjamin, Olivia, Maisie, Lillian, Katie, Freeman, Juliette, and Edison ; five great great grandchildren: Kyle, Kaden, Lucy, Olivia, and Jason.   She was preceded in death by her parents: Homer and Myrtie Shanks; two brothers: Nobel E. Shanks, and Donald E. Shanks; four sisters: Cleda C. Adkisson, Clara C. Proctor, Lois E. Birmingham, and Marjorie J. Thompson; and three great great grandchildren.  A host of family and friends also survive.

Helen remained a loving mother to her children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and great greatgrandchildren.  She will be deeply missed but will always be in our hearts.

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