Dorothy “Dottie” Lenora Helpingstine, age 87, of Salem, passed away surrounded by her four children, on Monday, May 11, 2026 at Centralia Manor. She was a beloved resident of Salem, Illinois, and was born on May 16, 1938, in Centralia, Illinois. She is the daughter of Lloyd Theodore Queen and Dorothy Lorraine (Schuchmann) Queen.
After graduating from Centralia High School in May, 1956, she married Herbert Leroy Helpingstine, the love of her life, on August 3, 1956 at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Centralia. When Herbert got out of the Army, he met Dorothy at the A&W Drive-In where she was a car hop. When he saw her, he said “That’s the girl I’m going to marry.” They spent over 61 wonderful years together until he passed away on May 7, 2018.
Dorothy is survived by her loving children: twin sons Dale (Barb) Helpingstine of Salem and Gale Helpingstine of Fisher, Illinois; and daughters Tammy (Bill) Keene of Springfield and Tina (Kevin) VanZandt of Centralia. She also leaves behind her cherished siblings: Richard L. “Dickie” Queen of Centralia, Floyd (Karen) Queen of Centralia, George (Marilyn) Queen of Sullivan, IN, Donald Queen of Centralia, Dale (Cindy) Queen of Centralia, Anita Michael of Centralia, and Deborah (Larry) Niederhofer of Richview and a brother-in-law: George “Buddy” Uhls of Virginia; nine grandchildren, Jared (Katie) Helpingstine, Desiree (Adam) Triska, Kari (Allen) Nierman, Kyle (Amy) Roth, Leah Dunlap, Amy (Jamie) Probin, Kellie (Matt) Schluter, Justin (Layla) Helpingstine and Carly (Dallas) Thompson; 22 great-grandchildren, Grady, Allie and Cohen Helpingstine, Aiden Hollander, Porter and Benson Dunlap, Kali, Eli and Milo Schluter, Avery and Theodore Roth, Levi, Jase and Tanner Nierman, Maeve Thompson, Noah Helpingstine, Sophie, Henry, Natalie and Robert Probin and Rex and Ruby Triska and several nieces and nephews. Their support and love brought immense joy to Dorothy’s life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd Theodore Queen and Dorothy Lorraine Queen, her loving husband, Herbert Leroy Helpingstine, and siblings Lloyd and wife Sarah Queen, Beverly Roetemeyer, Erma Rhatigan, Sandra Uhls, and her brothers-in-law Kenneth Michael and Don Roetemeyer.
Dorothy had a passion for making Christmas extra special for her family. Seeing her kids and grandkids open there gifts brought her so much joy. Her other favorite holiday was Easter. She loved to travel and our family enjoyed so many wonderful summer vacations. She and Herb travelled across the country several times in their camper van, sometimes for month at a time. A special trip remembered was when they traveled to Italy with their son, Dale, and his family. She especially loved to go on cruises. Dorothy spent her life as a dedicated mother, sister, friend, and professional. Her career in accounting and tax preparation showcased her diligence and commitment. She worked at H&R Block for several years and later at her own tax office in Fisher. Later in her career, she worked at a travel agency in Champaign. Dorothy’s dedication extended beyond her professional life to her faith and community as an active member of the Zion Hill Baptist Church.
Visitation services will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 11:00am to 12:30pm at the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Centralia. A funeral service will follow at 12:30pm at the church with Pastor Don Shaffer officiating. Burial will follow at the Zion Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Zion Hill Baptist Church or the Zion Hill Cemetery and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, IL 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Dottie’s family. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the funeral home Facebook page. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Dorothy’s legacy of love, faith, and dedication will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Her spirit will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever guide and inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
