Helen L. Ross, 81, of Dowell, passed away at 10:30 P.M., Friday, July 14, 2023 at the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.
Helen had been a homemaker.  She was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Du Quoin.  Helen loved being around children and teaching Bible School.  She also loved working Christmas with Santa for the kids at the Dowell Fire Department.  Helen loved her vegetable gardens.
She was born July 6, 1942 in Du Quoin, IL, the daughter of Clifford I. and Helen M. (Williams) Martie.
She married Ralph W. Ross on September 28, 1961 in Dowell, IL and he survives.
She is survived by her husband of Dowell, two children - Jody Compton and husband Troy of Dowell and Ralph Ross, Jr. of Dowell, five grandchildren - Stephenie Moore and husband Rocky of Tuscola, IL, Ross Cook and wife Sara of Tuscola, IL, Nicole Messer and husband Chris of Elkville, Megan Holford of Dowell, and Gina Canfield and husband Stone of Dowell, eleven great grandchildren - Brookelynn Messer, Lucas Messer, Mason Veach, Emily Veach, Jordana Moore, Castiel Canfield, Sage Canfield, Lilla Cook, Vivienne Cook, Tess Cook, and Josette Cook.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter - Rhonda Bombardo, one sister - Myra Sue Martie, and one brother - Donald Wayne Martie.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Gary Pate officiating.
Friends may call from 9 A.M. until the time of service on Wednesday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial will be in the Hallidayboro Cemetery in Hallidayboro, IL.
Friends may make memorials to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.