Mrs. Barbara L. (Jacobs) Varnold Helms

Mrs. Barbara L. Varnold Helms, 93, of Galesburg, Illinois died 2:20 a.m. Sunday, January 15, 2023, at Allure of Lake Storey, Galesburg. 

She was born October 8, 1929, in Galesburg the oldest child of Perry and Elizabeth (Bunch) Jacobs.  She married Harold G. Varnold, April 15, 1946, in Galesburg.  He preceded her in death March 19, 2004.  She later married Don F. Helms, April 15, 2005, in Galesburg in which she enjoyed her extended family of stepchildren and step grandchildren from that union.  He preceded her in death April 8, 2015.

Surviving is a son, Harold Wayne (and Cindy) Varnold of Galesburg, a Daughter Karen Sue Johnson of Galesburg, her only grandchild, Tyson (and Devon) Johnson, many step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, step great-great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a very special aunt, Nora Van Meter.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Joanne Smith, Colleen Mackey, Richard Jacobs, and an infant Harold Dean Jacobs.   

Barbara attended Galesburg High School.  She was a salesclerk at Maurita Dale Shop and Kleine’s Department store for 13 years and later was a fashion consultant for Seifert’s at the Sandburg Mall for five years.  She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Galesburg. 

Visitation will be 12:00 Noon to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 19, 2023, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel.  Funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the chapel.  Pastor Rollie Grauman will officiate.  Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg.  Memorials may be made First Church of the Nazarene.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com. 

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