Helen Leatrice Rave

Helen L. Rave, born on January 10, 1925, in Earlville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, at the age of 100, surrounded by her loved ones. A lifelong member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Earlville, Helen was a lady whose warmth and kindness touched everyone she met.

She was the daughter of William and Maude (Yarnell) Swayze and devoted her life to her family and community. On April 7, 1947, Helen married Robert Rave in Mendota, Illinois. Together, they farmed, and co-owned the R & H Supermarket. Her dedication to her family was unmatched, and she adored spending time with them.

Helen had many hobbies that brought her joy, including playing cards, golfing, bowling, and cheering for the Chicago Cubs, and also recently cheered for the Kansas City Royals. Her competitive spirit and zest for life were evident in everything she did, and she instilled that same love for family and fun in her children and grandchildren.

Helen is survived by her three sons, Ronald (Jane) Rave, Nick (Michael Uetz) Rave, and Marti (Kathy) Rave; her two daughters, Connie Hamann and Patricia (Chad) Gunderson; thirteen grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry her memory forward.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert Rave in 1991, her parents, six siblings, one son-in-law, Ed Hamann, and one grandson, Michael Rave, and one granddaughter, Ashley Rave, one great-grandson, Shepard Hamann. While she is greatly missed, her legacy of love and devotion to family will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.

Visitation will be held on August 16, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at St. Theresa Catholic Church, located at 221 West Union Street, Earlville, Illinois. A Mass will follow the visitation, beginning at 11:30 AM. The burial will follow taking place at St. Theresa Catholic Cemetery. For more information or to sign the online guestbook go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com 

Helen L. Rave lived a remarkable life, and she will be remembered not just for her accomplishments but for the love and laughter she brought to those around her.

Hanley-Turner-Eighner Funeral Home

P.O. Box 808

Earlville, IL 60518

815-246-6491