Helen Cushing
PONTIAC – Helen Ophelia Cushing, 95, of Pontiac, Ill. passed away at 6:04 pm on Monday, March 13, 2017 at Tjardes Health Care Center of Evenglow Lodge in Pontiac.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Friday, March 24, 2017 at First United Methodist Church in Pontiac with Pastor Tom Goodell officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. According to her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and inurnment will take place at Patty Cemetery in rural Pontiac. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church of Pontiac, for youth mission trips or to the Livingston County Humane Society.
Helen was born on September 15, 1921 in Rockport, IN to Samuel and Edna (Ostrander) Miller. She graduated from Pontiac Township High School in 1939 and married 2nd Lieutenant George M. Cushing, Jr. on Jan. 6, 1943 at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. George and Helen spent their child rearing years in Pontiac, and later retired to Port Charlotte, FL. After 52 years of marriage they returned to Pontiac and George died in 1996. On September 25, 1997 Helen married Daryl Hildenbrand.
Helen is survived by her eight children: George L. (Michele) Cushing and Karen (Randy) Wieland of Bloomington, Ill.: Randal (Barbara) Cushing and Jim (Jane) Cushing of Pontiac; Lyle (Patti) Cushing of Port Charlotte, Fla.; Paula (Robert) DeFrates of Elliot, Ill.; John (Angie) Cushing of West Des Moines, and Kelly (Tom) Carey of DeLand, Fla.; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews; her sister Lois Ward of Peoria, Ill.; her sister-in-law: Lorraine Cushing of Largo, Fla. She is preceded in death by her first husband, George M. Cushing of Pontiac; her second husband, Daryl Hildenbrand, her parents; her three brothers: Eldon Miller; Alden Miller and Maurice Miller; and one son-in-law: Robert Cox.
Helen was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church where she donated much of her time over the years. She was also a member of the Pontiac Women’s Club, and the VFW Auxiliary. She was an avid reader and homemaker all her life.
Helen passed away peacefully. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother always praying for her children. We are comforted knowing that Helen sits at the feet of her Heavenly Father and now walks with her Lord Jesus Christ and knowing one day we will be reunited when our Father calls us home.
This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to the family at calvertmemorial.com.
