Helen M. Handlin, age 91, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Friday, October 9, 2015, at Clay County Hospital in Flora.

   Helen was born July 28, 1924 in Cisne to Charles and Lourena (Grove) Wood.  She married Glenn Handlin on November 24, 1945 in Alton and he preceded her in death in 1997.   Helen worked in Alton at the Ammunition Factory during World War II.  She then went on to work at Tri-City Grocery, retiring in 1974.  Helen was an avid bowler, often traveling to participate in tournaments, and she and Glenn enjoyed boating and water skiing.  Helen had a good sense of humor and loved flowers and many kinds of animals, including birds, cats, and dogs.  She was a member of First Southern Baptist Church in Flora.

   She is survived by her sister: Dorothy Engelmeier of Flora; brother: David (Rosa) Owen of Clay City; along with several special nieces and nephews, dear friend Mabel Hufhines, and “Boots” the cat.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers: Ora, Robert, and Sammie Wood, and two sisters: Esther Pyle and infant sister Jessie Ellen. 

   A funeral service for Helen Handlin will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2015, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in the Cisne Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the hour of service on Monday at Frank & Bright Funeral Home.  Memorial donations may be given to Fur A Good Paws or Clay County Cancer Support Group and will be accepted at the funeral home.  Online condolences to the family may be left at www.frankandbright.com.