Ronald L. Helton

Ronald L. Helton

(May 18, 1940 – December 25, 2022)

Ronald Lee “Ronnie” Helton , 82, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 10:53 a.m. Sunday, December 25, 2022 in Shelbyville Manor, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Thursday, December 29, 2022 in Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL, with Father Pawel Augustyniak as celebrant. Visitation will be from 10:00 – noon Thursday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL. Casual attire is requested. Memorials may be given to the Food Pantry at the First United Methodist Church or the Shelbyville Manor.

Ronnie was born on May 18, 1940 in Shelbyville, IL, the son of Jesse G. and June Joy (Walden) Helton. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1958. He married Lois Aileen McKittrick on July 3, 1958. Ronnie began working at Shelby Sheet Metal Shop and later for White’s Sheet Metal.  He then worked as an installer for Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company, retiring after 35 years. Following his retirement, he worked on the rental dock at Lithia Springs Marina and drove cars for Boarman Motors. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Shelbyville, IL. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs. Ronnie enjoyed coon hunting, fishing, playing cards, mushroom hunting, dancing, playing the banjo and listening to bluegrass music.

Ronnie is survived by his wife, Lois; daughter, Leslie Fathauer of Shelbyville, IL; sons, Jesse Helton (Gwyn) and Danny Helton both of Shelbyville, IL; eight grandchildren, Justin Fathauer (Monica), Chelsea Wildman (Rodney), Zachary Helton, Aurora Poulos (Dr. Andrew), Bailee Helton (Cody), Cortland Helton (Jaide), Alexis Welton (Scott) and Cade Helton (Emmalee); three bonus grandchildren, Brandy Mieldezis (Josh), Jordan Smith (Ryleigh Warfel) and Ricci Smith; and 13 great grandchildren, Bryce, Bodee, Maycie, Jasmine, Natilee, Jesse L., Kora, Theodore, Hadley, Bella, Ivey, Marley and Cooper.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, David Fathauer; and step-father, John Dort.