Helen Virginia Hornbaker

Helen Virginia “Spider” Hornbaker, 80, of Galesburg, died at 8:12 a.m. on Friday, August 12, 2011 at Heartland Healthcare Center, Galesburg. Helen was born November 15, 1930, in Plymouth, Illinois, the daughter of Ernest B. and Lera P. Phillips Powell.  She was previously married to Donald Hornbaker.  Helen is survived by a son, Bill (and Cindy) Hornbaker of Galesburg; one daughter, Sherry (and Steve) Alfaro of Galesburg; and a brother, Samuel Franklin (and Bertie) Powell of Knoxville.  Also surviving are 6 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Rolland E. Powell, and two sisters, Mildred Landrith and Eleanor J. Trobough.  Helen was a graduate of Good Hope High School.  She had worked at the Galesburg Mental Health Center until 1985 and later worked at various nursing homes in Galesburg.  Helen was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  Funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at 10 a.m. with Rev. William Miller, I.C. officiating.  Visitation will be Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home with a rosary being prayed at 7 p.m.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the America Heart Association.