Helen Arlene 

Carroll

Helen, age 98, of Chillicothe passed away on January 7, 2024 at Arc of Chillicothe. She was born on September 11, 1925 in Trivoli, Illinois to Alvin and Clara (Grafelman) Gronewold. Her childhood was spent in Elmwood and Edelstein. Upon graduation from Dunlap High School, she worked at Caterpillar during WWII.

On October 31, 1946, she and Charles Carroll of Chillicothe were married at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in East Peoria. Living in Chillicothe, Helen belonged to the Chillicothe University Club, as well as The First United Methodist Church, where she was a member for 76 years. At church, she belonged to the Rebecca Circle and was an active volunteer. As a charter member of Arrowhead Country Club, Helen enjoyed golf with friends for many years. Playing cards was another favorite pastime, but most of all, Helen enjoyed her family and role as a homemaker. She was a gatherer of friends and continued making new ones into her later years. Quiet times were often spent reading and working on crossword puzzles.

Preceded in death were her parents; her beloved husband of 44 years; her daughter, Janice Morgan; a sister, Verona Gronewold; and brothers, Wayne Gronewold and Kenneth Gronewold.

Surviving is one daughter, Sue (Robert) Wittekind of Fairfield, CT; son-in-law, Mike (Connie) Morgan of Chillicothe; four grandchildren, Dara Wagner of Chillicothe, Patrick (Lynsey) Morgan of Berthoud, CO, Jennifer (Peter) Garran of Boston, MA and Heather Mahland (Erik) of New York City, NY; and nine great-grandchildren, Griffin and Etta Wagner, Graham, Liam, and Claire Morgan, Peter and Gloria Garran, and Grace and Margaux Mahland. Also surviving are sister, Carol Caldwell of Edelstein and many nieces and nephews.  

Services will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at The First United Methodist Church, 1023 North Sixth St., Chillicothe, IL with visitation from 10–11am, and the funeral at 11am. A luncheon will take place in the Church Memorial Room, following the private family graveside service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 1023 N. 6th St, Chillicothe, IL 61523 or the Gift of Hope, 425 Spring Lake Dr., Itasca, IL 60143. Arrangements are being made by Weber-Hurd Funeral Home.