AXELSON, Helen

The Payson Roundup, Payson, Arizona, Friday, September 26, 2014 Helen Axelson, 97, of Schaumburg, Ill., passed away Sept. 17, 2014. Helen lived in Payson for 35 years and was married to the late Elmer Axelson for 64 years. She moved back to Illinois in 2009 to be closer to her two daughters, Betty Axelson-McClelland (Paul) and Donna Demas (Bill); and grandson, Chuck Demas, who also lives in Chicago; and granddaughter, Susan Demas-DiSano (Joe) and great-granddaughter Angela, Michigan. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Sudie Gibbs; and older brother, Harold Gibbs. She is also survived by cousins, Sharon Dunham (Victor) and Dorothy Hanks and son, Gary Hanks. Helen was an active member of the Payson Women’s Club and was the treasurer for several years. She loved to exercise and take her collie dogs for walks in Green Valley Park. She was also a member of Payson United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Payson United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to either the Alzheimer’s Assn., 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60631 or Save-A-Pet, P.O. Box 266, Grayslake, IL 60030.