Helen L. (Roth) Metcalf, 78, of East Dubuque, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque, follow a sudden illness, surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dean Smith officiating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, and from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. on Monday.

Helen was born on October 2, 1939 in East Dubuque, the daughter of Valentine and Freda (Helbing) Roth. She was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, class of 1958. Helen was united in marriage to Ronald Metcalf on November 23, 1968 at St. Mary’s Church. He preceded her in death on December 15, 2014.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Parish and its’ Altar & Rosary Society. Helen was employed at Frommelt’s, later known as Rite Hite in Dubuque for 18 years.

Helen was known for her big heart, and putting others first before herself. She enjoyed shopping and traveling with friends and relatives, going to the movies, car rides and out for dinner with her grandchildren, and the special times spent with Abigail and her great granddaughter, Lilly Ann. Helen loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and cheering them on. “Her pride and joy, and the apple of her eye was her great-grandchild, Lilly Ann”.

Surviving is her son, Bradley J. Metcalf of East Dubuque; four grandchildren, Abigail (fiancé Jordan Block), Samuel, Isabel and Laila Sue; one great grandchild, Lilly Ann Metcalf-Block; her sister, Darlene Gibson; inlaws, Margie Roth, Lois Roth, Ed Splinter, and Victoria Metcalf all of East Dubuque, and Jean (Derald) Schrobilgen of Dubuque; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Valentine & Freda; her husband, Ron; a daughter, Sara Ann Metcalf on September 17, 2008, siblings, Johnnie Speaker, Carrie Johnston, Amby, Louie, Wayne, Don and Edward Roth; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leonard & Helen (Maury) Metcalf; and sister-in-law, Doris Splinter.

In lieu of flowers, a Helen L. Metcalf memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.