Helen Rendleman Sirles

Helen Rendleman Sirles, 104, passed at 7:40 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015, at her home in Alto Pass surrounded by her loving family.

She was born April 24, 1911 in the family home in Alto Pass, to Grover C. Rendleman and Iva Rae Venerable Rendleman.  She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Southern Illinois University Normal in 1933.  Helen married Dr. Wayne P. Sirles in 1936, and he preceded her in death in 1946.   Helen was a very dedicated school teacher for over 35 years at Alto Pass and Cobden schools.  She also was a lifetime member of the Congregational Christian Church, Alto Pass. She was a mentor to many and encouraged hundreds to pursue an education or to reach for their true potential.

She belonged to numerous organizations focused on growth and improvement in her community and region.  She was an inspiration to her own children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as many she encountered .

She is survived by her four children, Judy Mittendorf (Larry) of Murphysboro, Sharon Williamson of Belleville, Wayne “Ren” (Betty) Sirles of Alto Pass, Jan Henry of Murphysboro; seven grandchildren, Greg Massey, Diane Weitekamper (Frank), Cheryl Lakin (Dan), Leslie Lyons (Phil), Wayne D. Sirles (Michelle), Amy Remsey, Suzanne Harju (Craig); 14 great-grandchildren, Katja, Kai and Marcus Weitekamper; Laura, Ellie and James Lakin; Will, Paul and Danny Lyons; Hilary and Audrey Sirles;  Alex and Abby Remsey and Ella Harju. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and siblings James Rendleman, Susie Rendleman, Lula Neilson and Faye Janice Rendleman. 

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015 in the Congregational Christian Church in Alto Pass with Rev. David Stewart officiating. Interment was in the Alto Pass Cemetery. Please note that Rendleman Orchard Farm Market will be closed Saturday and Sunday so family and employees may celebrate Helen's life. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Bald Knob Cross of Alto Pass, the Congregational Christian Church of Alto Pass, the Alto Pass Cemetery or Celtic Hospice and Palliative Care of Illinois. Envelopes will be available in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home and at the church.

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Helen Rendleman Sirles