With heavy hearts we share that Mary Helen Kent, 74, of Lacon, IL passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025 surrounded by family at home. 

Mary was born on May 11, 1951 in Pana, IL to Charles Ralph & Marion Lovean (Ralston) Oller. 

Mary is survived by her husband Robert Kent; daughter, Dawn (Derik) Schumacher; son, Jeffrey Kent; grandchildren: Cody (Kylee) Tate, Dylan (Kamya Perry) Schumacher, Damon Schumacher, Cameron Schumacher, and Cailyn Schumacher; great grandchildren: Corbin, Kyron, and Cora Tate; siblings: Cheryl Oller, Sue Oller, and Debbie Warren; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Charles Ralph “Ralphie” Oller; granddaughter, Colby Tate; brother, Dennis Oller; and sister, Sandy Spinner.

Mary graduated from Pana High School in 1969. She worked at Mallory Timers in Pana for some years. She had little Ralphie on August 17, 1972. He went to Heaven on December 23, 1972. Mary attended Decatur School of Nursing, where she graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her daughter Dawn was born in 1973. She moved to Taylorville, where she worked at St. Vincent Memorial Hospital for many years as a surgical nurse. She met Bob, the love of her life, and they got married on May 8, 1981. 

They moved to Chillicothe, where they built a beautiful life. She worked at the Med Surg Clinic in Peoria. Their son Jeff was born in 1983. She was a stay-at-home mom for a few years. She worked as a nurse for Park Hill Nursing Home in Chillicothe for a couple years. She also worked as an office coordinator for several realtors for many years. She was a member of St Edward Catholic Church, Chillicothe Optimist Club, Rescue 33 Ambulance, and Chillicothe Fireworks, where she was very active. They moved to Lacon in 2007 where they made a beautiful home. She began working as a Nurse for the Methodist Medical Group Family Practice of Lacon. She retired from there in 2012. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. 

During her life, she loved spending time with family and friends, loved being a nurse, playing softball, bowling, boating, water skiing, karaoke, dancing, cross stitching, cooking, baking, and gardening. She made her yard (in Chillicothe and in Lacon) look like an oasis. 

Mary had a heart of gold. She was a strong, beautiful, loving, and compassionate lady and loved by all who knew her. She touched many lives with her strength, beauty, love, and compassion. She loved her family dearly — her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren — they were her pride and joy. 

A memorial was held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on January 3, 2026. The visitation was held from 10 am until 12 pm. The Mass followed at 12 pm. Burial followed at Lacon Cemetery. Memorials in Mary’s honor may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are under the care of Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe.