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1925-2026
LEETONIA -- Helen R. Crooks Gillis, 101, went to be with the Lord on the morning of Aug. 9, 2026. She was born Feb. 2, 1925, in Kentucky, the daughter of the late Alfred and Nettie Crooks.
On Dec. 17, 1945, Helen married the love of her life, John "Jack" Gillis of East Palestine, and together they built a life they loved. During their incredible 64 years of marriage, they raised seven children. While they moved a few times over the years, they ultimately settled into a farmhouse on Leetonia Road that was filled with love, laughter, and generations of cherished memories.
Helen was the true matriarch of her family -- hardworking, dedicated, and remembered for her soft voice paired with a stern look. Throughout her life, she balanced her time as a real estate agent and a dedicated homemaker. She took great joy in gardening, tending to her home, and keeping her mind sharp with puzzles and word games. Most importantly, she treasured every moment spent with her family.
Helen is survived by five of her children: three daughters, Elaine (Vince) Hoover of Leetonia, Anita (Earl) Lancaster of Leetonia, and Rosemarie (Don) Warner of Montgomery, Texas; and two sons, Thomas (Nancy) Gillis of Lancaster, S.C., and Christopher (Barbara) Gillis of Lisbon.
She also leaves behind a legacy of eight grandchildren: Lisa (Wesley) Gorby, Renee Kacenski, Jennifer (Mark) Frank, Megan (J.J.) Thornton, Brendan Gillis, Kelsey (Dan) Edwards, Mackenzie Warner, and Sydney Warner; eight great-grandchildren: Amanda (Chad) Wormsley, Sarah Custer, Aaron Kacenski, John Kacenski, Delaney Kacenski, Xander Thornton, Daxton Edwards, and Deagan Edwards; and five great-great-grandchildren: Axel Wolfson, Cato Wormsley, Cormier Wormsley, Freya Ross-Kacenski, and Amari Ross-Kacenski.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; a daughter, Jeanette; a son, Joseph (Tammy); her parents and her siblings.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Woods-Rettig Funeral Home, Leetonia.
Services will be held on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, 11 a.m. at the Woods-Rettig Funeral Home Leetonia, with The Very Reverend Chad Johnson V.F. officiating.
Burial will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Leetonia.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Helen's honor to Southern Care Hospice, 5401 Ashley Circle E, Austintown, OH 44515.
Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com
"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." -- Proverbs 31:28
8/14/26