Mrs. Hellene (Parsons) Willhite, 87, Springfield, passed away Wednesday, May 16, in her home with her family at her side. Graveside services will be held Monday, May 21, 2012 at 1:00pm in Rivermonte Memorial Gardens in Springfield, with Rev. Franklin Reagan officiating. Hellene was born on May 23, 1925 in the Ozark County community of Rockbridge, MO to Thomas Edward Parsons and Louvada (Stephens) Parsons. She was 86 years, 11 months, and 23 days of age.
Hellene married Ual Ival Willhite on June 12, 1945 and to this union 3 children were born. Hellene was a Christian and believed in Jesus Christ as our Savior. She loved to read and crochet, but most of all she loved spending time with and helping her family.
Hellene was preceded in death by her daughter, Margaret Collins, her parents, five brothers; Arthur, Mural, Eddie, Doyle and Marvin; a sister; Eula, and one great grandson, Shine.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, two sons; Jerrald and Bentrish Willhite of New Lenox, IL and Lawrence and Carol Willhite of Springfield, MO. She leaves 7 grandchildren and their families; Anthony Willhite (Atlanta), Dorian Willhite (San Diego), Lance Willhite (Atlanta), Lynn Gruenwald, Keith Willhite, Amy Collins-Henson (Springfield) and Mark McCain (Ozark); 14 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, 2 sisters: Ina May Gillete (Marshfield), June Byerley (Wasola), a special sister-in-law, Alice Parsons (Mtn View) and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends who will miss her very much.