Helen Frances McKennedy

Helen Frances McKennedy, 90, of Bella Vista, Ark., formerly of Springfield, Ill., died at 11:41 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, at Highland Healthcare in Bella Vista, Ark. Helen was born Feb. 9, 1923, in Springfield, the daughter of John E. and Lola A. Hill Stevens. She married Edward D. "Ed" McKennedy on June 5, 1943, at St. Agnes Catholic Church; he preceded her in death on Jan. 13, 2001. Helen was employed as a service representative for CWLP. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, the Altar and Rosary Society, the Women's Catholic Order of Foresters and AARP. She was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, John E. Stevens, Jr.; and five sisters, Mary Alice Weitzel, Marcella Taylor, Ruth Dougherty, Rita Bramlet and Marian Smith. She is survived by her two sons, Thomas McKennedy of Lewisville, Texas, and Dennis (wife, Lisa) McKennedy of Springfield; four daughters, Patricia (husband, Patrick) Butler of New Concord, Ky., Janice Lowe of Bella Vista, Ark., Carol (husband, Michael) Lehman of Lansing, Kan., and Connie Willoughby of Bella Vista, Ark.; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 10 to 11:45 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Mass: 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield, with the Rev. Jeff Grant, celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Alzheimer's Association, 2309 W. White Oaks Dr., Suite E, Springfield, IL 62704. Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.