Becky Sue Helton, age 70, of Salem, Illinois, passed away on Monday, October 12th, 2026, at her home.
Becky was born on June 27th, 1956, in Salem, Illinois, the daughter of Robert Tilden Meadows and Lenora Jean (Morgan) Vineyard.
Becky was a familiar face in the Salem community, having been in the bartending business for 30 years, during which she owned and operated Becky’s Bar. Over those years, she met countless people and built many friendships. She was especially focused on community service and worked hard with the local ABATE on their annual Christmas Toy Run. She loved a good game of bingo and spent her Thursday nights volunteering at the Salem Community Center. She had a special talent for finding a good bargain and rarely passed up an opportunity to pick something up for someone she loved. Giving brought her great joy, but nothing brought more joy to her than her grandchildren. She was always their biggest fan, whether cheering from the sidelines or the bleachers, and she treasured every opportunity to be part of their lives. She will be remembered for her generous heart, her love of family, and the little ways she showed others how much they meant to her. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the love she shared will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
Becky is survived by her longtime companion and life partner, Joey Wimberly of Salem; her children Stephanie Purintun (Cory) of Salem, and Matthew Helton of Salem; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and her sibling Bert Meadows of Salem.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Crystal Lynn Helton, her sister Rita Jean Schulte, and her brother, Robert Tilden Meadows.
Celebration of Life services for Becky Helton will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026 at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Online condolences and memories can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.
