Christine Sue Earnhart Helm

IN MEMORY OF: Christine Sue Earnhart Helm Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – DONGOLA 106 NW Front Street, Dongola, Illinois Christine Sue Earnhart Helm passed away on April 11, 2026 at Deaconess Hospital in Marion, Illinois at the age of 74. Born Christine Sue Earnhart of Dongola, she lived a life centered on learning, family, friendship, and fun. She graduated from Century High School in 1969 and went on to Southern Illinois University to obtain a degree in Special Education. Upon completing her degree, she proudly spent the entirety of her career as an educator working at Century Unit School District #100. She would humorously remark, “I only left for four years to go to college.” She was proud to have been named Teacher of the Year in 1979-1980. Christine loved to read and “philosophize,” garden, spend time with her loved ones, and seek out adventure. Christine found a special joy as the NaNa to her grandsons, “The Bryceman” and “Henry James.” She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Paige Helm Maginel and her husband, John Paul Maginel and their sons Bryce Massey and Henry Maginel; her brother Kenton Earnhart and his wife Beverly; her beloved nephews Dr. John Van Earnhart and his wife Stacy Earnhart, and Justin Earnhart and his wife Lori Earnhart, all of Dongola, IL. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Jennifer Flowers of Austin, Texas, and nieces Adrienne (Brett) Jacobsen of Atlanta, Georgia, and Alison (Greg) Blake of Austin, Texas. She has great nieces and a nephew including Alyssa, Lauren and Nicole Earnhart, Will and Presley Blake, and Cate and Claire Jacobsen. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Helm; her parents, Van and Eileen Earnhart; and her sister and brother in law, Carolyn and Don Treece. Since Jim’s passing, her primary desire has been to reunite with him and the rest of her family that went before her. After Jim passed, there were many friends that called and assisted and they are too many to mention. But, those she spent most of her physical time with were Deena Reichert and Roger Kerley. She looked forward to her steady visits from her nephew John Van. She also enjoyed her days with her great canine companions Molly, Reiko and Gambler. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 15 at Crain Funeral Home in Dongola with her beloved nephew, Dr. John Van Earnhart officiating. Friends may call from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 with the funeral beginning at 1:30. Interment will follow the service at St. John’s Cemetery in Dongola. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Southern Illinois. Crain Funeral Home in Dongola is in charge of arrangements.

Christine Sue Earnhart Helm

May 16, 1951 - April 11, 2026