Helen Louise Thompson, 96, of O’Fallon, IL, born July 2, 1930, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Helen was born in Fairfield, IL, to the late Harry and Anne Martin. She married James Wesley “JW” Thompson on August 8, 1954, and they shared 63 years of marriage until his passing in 2017. Helen worked in several positions early in life before dedicating much of her time to raising her family.
Helen loved her family deeply and treasured the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her home was a familiar gathering place for family, and she enjoyed spending time with family and friends, good food, and a glass of wine or margarita. Helen always had a story to share and will be remembered for her sense of humor, spirited personality, and love for her family.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, James Wesley “JW” Thompson; her parents, Harry and Anne Martin; her brother, Lowell “Dean” Martin; and her sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Kenneth Wentworth.
Helen is survived by her son, Robert (Colleen Carmon) Thompson of Fairview Heights, IL; her daughter, Di Ann Hipskind of O’Fallon, IL; three grandchildren, Lauren (Mark) Morton of O’Fallon, IL, Melissa (Sean) Trout of O’Fallon, IL, and Sarah (Blake) Arnold of Smithton, IL; and five great-grandchildren, Charlie, Jack, and Claire Morton; Madelyn and Olivia Arnold. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
A funeral procession will leave at 12:45 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2026, from George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, August 21,2026, at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.