Helen McNally went to be with the Lord on May 18, 2021. She was born May 4th, 1935 in Winona Minn., at Winona General Hospital, to Edward and G. Burnell (Linander) Pruka.
She married William McNally on Oct. 24, 1953, on his parents 50th wedding anniversary.
She is survived by her children, Jocelyn (Glenn) Hazlip, Steven (Lori) McNally, and Sheila McNally, six grandchildren: Amy (Rick) Holder, Michelle (Steve) White, William (Michelle) McNally, Tayna (Abran) Cruz, Charles (Amber) Hazlip, and Joseph Hazlip. Great grandchildren include: Khristina (Jon) Taylor, Henry Holder, Liam McNally, and Madalyne McNally. Three brothers: Bernard (Jeanette) Pruka of Winona Minnesota, Ralph Pruka of Rockford, Kenneth (Pam) Pruka of Northwoods Iowa. Sisters: Doris Gile of Byron, Grace Mueller, Winona Minn., Claudine (Roger) Eggert, St Charles, Minn. Brother in law: Jerry Abnet.
Predeceased include: husband William, parents, brother Ronald, Sister Caroline, and special friend Howie Gipson.
Helen was a member of Valley Evangelical Covenant Church as a Sunday School teacher 30 years. She was a member of Stillman Valley Lion’s Club and known as one of the top rose salesmen for many years. She was Past President of American Legion Auxillary, a Cub Scout Den Mother, a Girl Scout Leader and a member of Belvidere Moose Club. She volunteered for Rockford Rescue Mission for many years. She worked as playground lady at Stillman grade schools, as well as working in the kitchen after her retirement. She was employed by Amerock Corp 7 years, and 35 years at Ekstrom Carlson/Toolmasers in Stillman Valley.
She enjoyed gardening, canning, crocheting, dancing, arranging flowers, and story telling. Many of her SV fall festival entries won blue ribbons every year. She never met a stranger. She loved to meet new people, play cards, and try new recipes.
Visitation was at Honquest Funeral Home, 4311 N Mulford Rd, Loves Park, IL on Friday May 21, S Maple 2021 from 6-8 p.m. Services were Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Valley Covenant Church, 103 S Maple, Stillman Valley.
