Helen Ann Abel, 69, of Springfield, died at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at St. John's Hospital. Helen was born November 30, 1944 in Springfield, the daughter of Charles and Martha Oberreiter Lowe. She married John N. Abel on May 18, 1980. Helen retired from the State of Illinois and was a Samaritan Volunteer for St. John's Hospital. She enjoyed cooking, doing crossword puzzles (in ink), and spending time with her grandchildren and her cat, Jinx. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, John of Springfield; daughters, Theresa (husband, Robert) Holland of Springfield and Carrie Taylor Cross of Chatham; grandchildren, Matthew Holland, Emily Cross, and Anna Cross; brother, Charles R. "Bob" (wife, Barbara) Lowe of Riverton; two sisters, Barbara (husband, Albert) Curry and Sandra (husband, Robert) Steimel, both of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Private family ceremonies were held at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. John's Samaritans, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62769.
