Helena Rose Scifres

Brighton: Helena Rose Scifres nee Donelson went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at her residence. She was born on February 18, 1947, in Alton, the daughter of the late Clifford and Ida Mae (Schoning) Donelson. She married Gerald Scifres August 19, 1963, and they were married for twenty-nine years. Survivors include her children: Jerry (Edie) Scifres of East Alton, Michael (Claudia) Scifres of Germany, Julie (Jerry) Cox of Moro, Cary Scott (Maryellen Lackey) Scifres of Brighton, her grandchildren: Olivia Scifres, Alina-Marie Scifres, Chase Scifres, Maila Scifres, JD (Courtney) Cox, Shelbi (fiancé Jake Diamond) Cox, Braden Scifres, Nicole Cox, Erica Cox, Amber Cox, eleven great grandchildren, her brother and sister in law: Steve (Roberta) Donelson of Godfrey, Gene (Vicki) Malson of Dittmer, Missouri, and David Pruitt whom she loved as if he was one of her own sons, her sister in law: Jackie Donelson of Wood River. During her career she worked as a nurses aid at several nursing homes and St. Claires Hospital, was a teacher at Alpha Christian Academy, and retired from St Anthony’s hospital as the switchboard operator. She was a devoted Christian who loved to read, listen to worship music, needle point, and watching American Ninja Warrior. The most important thing to her was her family and she loved going to the cabin and celebrating birthdays, holidays and special occasions at her house. She leaves behind many extended family and friends who she loved dearly especially her dachshund, Apollo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother: Ron Donelson, three sisters Phyllis Miller, Rose Mary Mielke, and Lorrie Wolff. The visitation will be at Beltline Christian Academy in Alton on Saturday, January 23, 2021, from 1pm to 4pm with a prayer service following. Due to the current Covid 19 restricitons, face masks will be required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. Burial will be held at a later date when Mike and his family can travel again. Cremation rites will be accorded. Memorials are suggested to the family to help with funeral expenses.