Helen Irene (Babb) Rader Obituary (1926 - 2018)

The loving family of Helen Irene (Babb) Rader is sad to announce her passing on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at the age of 92 years, after a long and brave battle with Alzheimer's disease. Helen was born on May 16, 1926, in Freeport, Illinois. She grew up on a farm, and was interested in athletics, participating on the track team and the cheerleading squad during high school. In 1944, she graduated from Monroe Center High School in Monroe Center, Illinois. After graduation, she moved to Rockford, Illinois, and took a job with the Barber Coleman Company. Helen met her husband Ray at Barber Coleman, and they married on Feb. 16, 1947. Helen and Ray lived together for 71 years until his death on July 3, 2018. During Helen's life, she worked as an accounts manager and medical transcriptionist. She was also a talented and accomplished seamstress and tailor, specializing in custom home decor, as well as clothing adapted for the disabled. While at home, she enjoyed playing the piano, watching Jeopardy on television, and following her favorite soap operas. Helen will be fondly remembered by her children Linda (Gary White) Rader and Joyce (Ron) Ratner. Also mourning Helen's passing are her two grandchildren Brett Ratner and Aaron (Katherine) Ratner, her great grandchildren Zoe, Samantha, Michael, Madison, and Emma, as well as nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by her husband Ray Eugene Rader, her father LeRoy David Babb, her mother Jessie Elizabeth (Hill) Babb, brothers Warren (Violet) Babb, Donald Babb, Edwin (Bea) Babb, nephews Ronald Babb and Leonard Babb, and great nephew Jeffrey Babb. A private family celebration of Helen's life will be held at a later date. Final resting place will be the Omaha National Cemetery for Veterans in Omaha, NE. The family requests that memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association by visiting https://www.alz.org.