Helen E. Blake

Helen E. Blake, age 73, of Athens, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, IL.

Helen was born on October 31, 1952, in Springfield, IL, the daughter of Lester and Elizabeth (Loveless) Blake.

Mourning her passing are her brothers, David Blake, Joseph (Linda) Blake, Dennis (Stephanie) Blake; sisters, Lillian Greene, Louise Mitchell, Betty Frisch, and Patricia Halleck; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved cat, Salem.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Darrell Blake, Edward Blake, Lester Blake, James Blake, and Eugene Blake; sisters, Virginia Sassatelli, Shirley Burdzilauskas; and significant other, Virgil Samaitis.

Helen graduated from South Fork High School in her hometown of Kincaid, Illinois in 1972.

She worked at Casey’s General Store as an assistant manager, retiring in 2014.

When asked, Helen would jokingly say “gambling and smoking her favorite hobbies”. In reality she loved sunbathing, dancing, boating, and socializing with family and friends.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Visitation for Helen will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 11:00 AM until time of memorial services at 12:00 PM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Mott & Henning Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.