Helen Louise (Plebanek) Ellison

Helen Louise (Plebanek) Ellison, age 62, of Olney, IL formerly Grand Island, passed away on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.  A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 20th at 10:30am at All Faiths Funeral Home with Dan Naranjo officiating.  The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website.  Visitation will begin at 9am at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Westlawn Memorial Park.  Memorials are suggested to Paws and Claws Animal Rescue Center in Olney, IL.  Condolences can be left at www.giallfaiths.com.

Helen was born on June 18, 1962 in Grand Island to Raymond J. and Marie (Broz) Plebanek.  She attended school in Grand Island and graduated from Senior High in 1980.  During high school she participated in track and other sports.

On May 12, 1988 she was united in marriage to Terry Ellison at the Antioch Church in Olney, IL.  The couple met while Terry was performing at a concert in Grand Island.

Helen enjoyed listening to country music, roller skating and baking cakes. She was the “cat lady” of Olney and always willing to take in a cat in need of loving home. Helen was a wonderful aunt and over the years gained many bonus nieces and nephews that she adored dearly.   She was employed at the Roadmaster Bike Factory and then as a Home Health Aid.  When Terry became sick, she was his caregiver, helping him in any way she could.

Those left to cherish her memory include brother, Charles (Karen) Plebanek of Eureka Springs, AR; sisters, Anna “Suzie” Dunne and LeRoy Houdek of Grand Island, Irene (Kenneth) Tracy of Grand Island and Mary Ingram of Lincoln; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, a great-great niece and a great-great nephew.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Terry; parents; brother, Raymond Jr.; nephew in-law, Craig Starke and twin great nephews, Damon and Dane Starke.