Helen F. Hayden

On Thursday October 27, 2026, Helen Frances Sargent Hayden of Green Valley, IL went home to be with her heavenly father. She was 96 years old. Born on July 16th, 1930 to Ada Marie (Gill) and John Elery Sargent in Kenton County, Kentucky. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Edith (LeeAnder) Haley, Catherine Sargent, Blanche (Richard) Hayden, James (Helen) Sargent, Tennky (Gentry) Hibdon, and Nancy (William) Yagar. She is survived by one brother Robert (Carol) Sargent and two sisters Ruby (Harold) Shelton and Faye (Bobby) Davis.

She married the love of her life Charles Norman Hayden on July 1, 1946. He preceded her in death on July 15, 1979. They had three daughters and two sons and is survived by Janie (Kenneth) Mayberry of Pekin, Tony (Teresa) Hayden of Bellevue, Nebraska, Connie Hayden of Pekin, and Tina (Kenneth) Gregory of Green Valley. She was preceded in death by one son Rodney Hayden of Pekin. She is survived by 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 12 great, great grandchildren.

Born in 1930, Helen was a Depression era baby. At the young age of 2, her mom and dad left Kentucky and bought a farm in Coffee County, Tennessee which remained in the family until just recently. She and all her siblings were expected to help work the farm which instilled the work ethic she had for her entire life.

At the age of 13 her mother Ada was killed in a tragic car accident. She had 4 younger sisters that were still at home. That was the beginning of a life acting as a caregiver for numerous people throughout her life including her siblings, nieces and nephews, children, and grandchildren. In the last couple of years as she had been declining you could see her spirit light up a little brighter when any young children would be in her presence. She had a love for everybody, especially children. Caring for them was one of her God given talents that she was blessed with.

Helen was a devoted wife and mother. Her life revolved around caring for her family. Dad always worked to provide for the family and mom kept the home running like a well-oiled machine. She gardened, canned, and would freeze everything from the garden for many years. We sat down to nutritious home cooked meals as a family every evening growing up. Friends would say that her house was so clean that you could eat off the floors.

Her father helped establish the church where they lived in Tennessee, so she was brought up in the church and that was a very important part of her life. She wanted to attend anytime there was a service and expected her family to be there also. One time it was the middle of a snowstorm but that did not stop her. She took out with us kids in the car and the car almost slide off the road and over the hillside where we lived. She was determined to go to church. She taught the kids in bible class in her younger years. Mom and Dad had many dear friends over the years at the church in Pekin who will forever more be cherished. Being a member of the Pekin Church of Christ for nearly 70 years, Helen had outlived almost all of those friends. Now she has joined her beloved husband, so many other family members, and church friends in heaven above. We will miss you but know you are in a better place.

She enjoyed doing word puzzles, daily walks with her dogs, spending time with friends and family members, attending church and dining out at several of her favorite restaurants.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Friday, November 6, 2026, at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service starting at 10:00 AM. Interment will be in Kingston Mines Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, 8630 IL-91, Peoria, IL 61615.