Helen L. Roe, 91, of Lena, IL formerly of Rockford, IL passed away on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at the Lena Living Center, with her family by her side.  She was born on January 19, 1930 in Lena, IL to William "Bill" and Elizabeth (Brown) Duft.  On February 16, 1950 Helen married R. Eugene "Buck" Roe in Freeport, IL.  Helen worked for the Northwest Telephone Company in the village of Lena as a telephone operator, and later in life she owned and operated A Touch of Gingerbread in the Victorian Village in Rockford for many years.

Helen was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran decorating committee in Rockford.  She enjoyed painting, crafting, quilting, cake decorating and golfing at the Lena Golf Club.

Helen is survived by her husband of 71 years, R. Eugene "Buck" Roe of Lena, their children; Christine "Chris" Kramer of Las Vegas, NV, John (Linda) Roe of Woodstock, IL, and Larry (Jodi) Roe of Rockford, IL; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Doris "Dorie" Fransen; brother-in-law Roger Johnson; and two nephews Tom and Paul Fransen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her step-mother Thelma Duft, sister Doris Johnson, son-in-law; Michael "Mike" Kramer, brothers-in-law; Ray Peterson and Robert Fransen.

Private family services will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lena, IL.

Burial will be at Lena Burial Park.

Rev. Rick Bader will officiate the services.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

A memorial has been established in her memory.