Helen Claeys

Helen Kay Claeys, 89, of East Moline, IL, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Genesis Medical Center, Silvis, IL.

Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation and Direct Burial, Moline, IL.

A private ceremony will be held at the Rock Island Arsenal for family on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.  A celebration of life gathering will take place at The Vikings Club, Moline, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on her memory page at www.mvcremation.com.

Helen is the daughter of Clarence and Evelyn Johnson. She was married to Vernon Claeys in 1955 and had three children: Cathy, Kim and Jay. She was a wonderful grandmother, teaching her love of cooking, baking, and sewing. She loved to read, especially Robert Patterson novels.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Michael, Jack, Regina and Johnny, and her husband, Vernon Claeys.  She is survived by her children: Cathy Oney (Don), Kimberly Bowman, and Jay Claeys (Theresa), 8 grandchildren (Jennifer, Josh, Matt, Wendy, Dan, Jamie, Mandy and Samantha), 17 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Dr. Richard Payden, Nurse Jaqui and Nurse Jen, and the exceptional nursing staff at Mercy One Genesis in Silvis (Illini Campus).