Judy Helton

JUDY HELTON, 64 of Mattoon, IL was surrounded by her family when the Lord called her home at 11:52 A.M. on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at her residence.

A memorial service was held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 27, 2010 with visitation two hours before the service at Salisbury Church, 2350 Madison Avenue in Charleston, IL. Rev. Scott Sims officiated. Burial of Judy’s ashes are at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Mattoon. The Edwards Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Judy was born on March 10, 1946 in St. Louis, MO. She was a daughter of James and Velma (Lairmore) Mason. She married James M. Upton on March 9, 1962 in Champaign, IL. He passed away on April 4, 1984. She later married Rick Helton on December 30, 1984 in Mattoon, IL. He survives.

Other survivors include four sons, James M. Upton II and his wife Linda of Mattoon, IL, John M. Upton and his wife Marty L. of Toledo, IL, Jeff M. Upton of Mattoon, IL and Chris R. Helton of Mattoon, IL; one step daughter, Melisa Helton of California; five grandchildren, Desiree Herschberger and her husband David of Mattoon, IL, Matthew and Gracie Upton both of Toledo, IL and James Upton III and Joseph Upton both of Mattoon, IL; two great-grandchildren, Jordan and Jalen Herschberger; one brother, Pat Mason and his wife Gloria of Eureka, Montana and six sisters, Ruth Upton of Arcola, IL, Carol Cleveland and her husband George of Troy, MO, Jane Gossard and her husband George of Evansville, IN, her twin sister, Joan Westfall of Plainfield, IN, Janice Miller of Merrillville, IN and Jeanette Murday of Plainfield, IN.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Kenny and Bill Mason and one sister Gertrude Neaville.

Judy was a member of Salisbury Church in Charleston, IL, supported the Voice of the Martyrs and In Touch Ministries, and was a tremendous prayer warrior.

In earlier years, she had been a fitness instructor and had worked at Kraft Foods in Mattoon, IL. Later, she lovingly operated a Day Care from her home for over twenty years.

In her 64 years, Judy touched countless lives and will always be remembered for her unceasing kindness, selflessness, humor, generosity, compassion, and overall Christ-like love for people.

Memorials were made to Voice of the Martyrs, P.O. Box 443, Bartlesville, OK 74005-0443.