Helen M. Sinkler

August 6, 2008 - June 10, 2007

Helen M. (Ginder) Sinkler, 98, passed away 3:20 A.M. Sunday, June 10, 2007 at Memorial Hospital, Alton, Ill. Mrs. Sinkler was born August 6, 1908 in Arthur, IL the daughter of Esau and Zidana Thurman. She married Willard A. Ginder in 1935 who preceded her in death. Family include son, Richard (deceased) & Patty Ginder, Sikeston, Mo.; daughter, Linda & Gerald Giese, Godfrey, Il; grandchildren Joy Conlee, Bunker Hill, IL, Drew Motley, Kissimmee, Fl; Jason Ginder, Sikeston, MO; Josh Ginder, Andrews Air Force Base, MD, and step-grandchildren Wendy Sibley, Burleson, TX & Geoff Giese, San Antonio, TX and 11 great-grandchildren. Helen was a retired educator who began her teaching career in the Arthur rural school system in 1927. Her first teaching assignment was in the schoolhouse now displayed in Rockhome Gardens. She moved to the Mattoon public school system in 1948 and taught 1st and 2nd grade at Lowell and Washington schools for 21 years. Helen remembered all of her students fondly and was proud of their accomplishments. She kept in touch with many of her students, who regarded Mrs. Sinkler as their educational mentor. She was a life-time member of the First Baptist Church of Mattoon. Helen taught Sunday School and played piano for the choirs of both the Baptist Church and the Free Methodist Church on 17th street in Mattoon. Visitation will be Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with the service on Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home in Mattoon, IL with Rev. Michael Snow officiating. Interment will be at Arthur Cemetery in Arthur, IL. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice or the First Baptist Church of Mattoon.