SPARTA, Marie O. Helfers, 94, of Sparta, passed away at 9:05 P.M. Wednesday, September 28, 2011, with family at her bedside at Randolph County Care Center in Sparta, IL. She was born April 11, 1917 in Sparta, IL the daughter of Henry W. Brenning and Clara (Schrader) Brenning and the step daughter of Iva Brenning Eggemeyer. Marie married Albert H. Helfers on April 17, 1937 in Blair, IL. They had no children, Albert passed away on September 7, 1990. Marie was a homemaker and wonderful cook. Her hobby was quilting and you rarely went when a quilt wasn't in the frame. She was a lifelong member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Steeleville. She is survived by her one sister: Fern Glenn and several nieces and nephews. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, and five brothers; Henry, Vernon, Everett, Albert and Henry W. Brenning. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Steeleville. Rev. Dr. Alan W. Janneke will be officiating. Burial will be at Paradise Cemetery in Steeleville. Visitation will be held at Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville on Friday from 4 to 7 pm and then on Saturday from 7:30 to 9am and then at the church from 10 to 11am. Memorials may be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Church.