Helen Marrs Dyer
Helen Marie Marrs Dyer, 95, of Effingham died August 12, 2019 at
10:15 PM in Neoga. She was born near Gila, Illinois on September 4,
1923 to the late Calvin Eugene and Carrie Edith (Starwalt) Marrs. Helen
lived most of her life in Jasper County, first in Gila before moving to
Newton and more recently to Effingham.
Helen married William (Bill) Dyer on June 16, 1947 near Latona, IL. He
preceded her in death on December 16, 1971. Bill and Helen had a
practical nature together as evidenced by when she rode to the
hospital in a motorcycle sidecar to deliver their first child because they
didn’t yet own a car. They had two children together: Dr. Eric L. Dyer
(Cheryl) who passed away September 15, 2004 and Mark A. Dyer
(Gloria) from Watson, Illinois. Several nieces and nephews, four
grandchildren and one great-grandchild also survive.
Helen completed first and second grade in one year and graduated
from Newton High School in 1940 at age sixteen. She went to Business
College and purchased the Gila store with her brother, Harold, which
later became the Marrs & Dyer Grocery when she married. She was an
entrepreneur, homemaker, and had several interim jobs until she
began working for Norris Electric Cooperative in the late 1960’s. She
moved from Gila to Newton in 1972 to be closer to her work, retiring
after 23 years at Norris. Before and during retirement, she enjoyed day
trips with friends and bus tours visiting many tourist destinations. She
helped her family in many ways and always had a warm and caring
heart for her children. She had country common sense in raising kids,
managing a household, entertaining herself, and living a good, frugal
lifestyle. Helen was a determined and strong, self-reliant woman who
worked hard and inspired those close to her with a humble charm. She
believed she had lived a good life.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no public visitation or
services. Crain Funeral Home is assisting the family with the services.
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