Helen L. Shanks of Forsyth, Illinois, formerly of Paris, passed away at 3:16 p.m. on February 24, 2022, at Lincolnshire Memory Care after a brief illness. She was born in Mattoon, Illinois to Ralph and Lola Matheny on July 18, 1929. She married Richard A. Shanks on November 14, 1947, in Paris, Illinois. He preceded her in death on February 12, 1988. Together, they had 4 children. Dixie (deceased), Rory (Lynn) of Paris, Valerie of Forsyth, and Lesa (deceased). Helen had five grandchildren:  Lisa Dunn (David), Hope Clark (Yancy), Cory Shanks (Kimberly), Kari Williams (Eric), and Michael Huddleston. She had six great-grandchildren: Adam Shanks (Paulette), Dylan, Jasmine, and Victoria Shanks, Brady and Drew Becker, and Kelsea Williams. Helen also had 2 great-great grandsons: Liam and Finley Shanks.

Helen enjoyed being a member of Paris Christian Church until her health declined and she went to live with her daughter Valerie in Forsyth. Helen enjoyed being around pets and living with Valerie was more than she bargained for.

A visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home in Paris, Illinois. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Edgar Cemetery in Paris, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to Paris Christian Church.