Helen Elizabeth Sorgen Deniston, formerly of Carbondale

Helen Elizabeth Sorgen Deniston, 90, widow of George Deniston, passed away Saturday, May 4, 2024.

Born in St. Louis, Mo., she was the daughter of the late Ernest W. and H. Lucille Taylor Sorgen. Helen had devoted her life to the city of Carbondale. She had served as a volunteer to the Elk's Children's Christmas Program, Memorial Hospital Special Care Nursery, Alzheimer's Association, Easter Seals Society, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, Jackson County Mental Health Department, Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, American Heart Association, Mother's March of Dimes, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Carbondale Junior Sports.

Due to her tireless volunteerism, Helen was awarded the Inspiring Woman of Achievement award, was named Carbondale's Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, and also earned the City of Carbondale Good Neighbor Award. She was also recognized for her outstanding volunteer contributions by the State of Illinois, among other honors. When not devoting her time to members of her community, Helen worked to preserve the history of her city. She conducted voluntary speaking engagements on her community and conducted walking tours of Carbondale's historic sites. She was the oldest member of the First United Methodist Church in Carbondale.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Barbara Deniston and Elizabeth (Bruce) Maize; her son, William (Leah) Deniston; her grandsons, Philip (Cathleen) Beckmann and Jake Deniston; two great-grandchildren, Devereaux Beckmann and Frances Beckmann; her long-time friend, Denise Probst; and a special companion, Donna Knox.

Helen's funeral service took place May 8 at St. Luke Church in Lexington, Kentucky. A future service will be held in Carbondale with burial in Oakland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Special Friends or St. Luke Church.