Helen Marie Maxey, 91, of Salem, passed away on October 30th, 2025, at Salem Township Hospital. She was born on July 16th, 1934, in Bluford, Illinois to Ray and Vera (Williams) Russell. She would marry the love of her life, Clyde Maxey, on July 19th, 1963, and spend 49 wonderful years together.
Helen worked at Good Samaritan Hospital for 15 years and Salem Rural King for 8 years. She and her husband owned and operated Farm Fresh in Salem for 10 years. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and having flowers. She loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The greatest joy of her life was her relationship with her Lord and Savior. She was a longtime member of the Emanuel Baptist Church in Salem.
She is survived by her son, Steve Maxey of Salem; one daughter, Charlotte Becker and husband Gail of Vernon, IL; three grandchildren, Zeth Marke, Logan Marke, and Hunter Maxey; six great-grandchildren, Carter Marke, Aleighanna Marke, Peyton Cook, Riley Marke, Jeffrey Ritchie, and Austa Ritchie; and one sister, Margie Ann Lappin of Waltonville, IL.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Ray and Vera Russell; her husband: Clyde Maxey; three brothers: Charles Russell, Donald Russell, and George Russell; two sisters: Dorothy Tittle and Louise Phelps.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 5th, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Mike Blackford officiating, and a time of visitation from 10:00 am till the time of service. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mission Salem and will be accepted at Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home, PO Box 97, Salem, Illinois 62881. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or by visiting the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home Facebook page.
