Helen Elizabeth (Gillin) Rea, 71, who was affectionately known by her family as Betts or Bettsie, passed away on February 8, 2024. She was born on January 8, 1953 in Terre Haute to Robert "Bob" Gillin and Barbara (Newhart) Gilllin. Helen attended Gerstmeyer High School, and she enjoyed her family, crafting, and all her pets.

She is preceded in death by her father, grandmother Helen Newhart, brother Pat Gillin, sister Pam Gaskill, brother-in-law Mike Kates, and a great nephew Jaxton Cooksey.

She is survived by her mother, sons Mike Simonson (Cindy) and Shawn Simonson (Becky), sisters Chris Schurick (Tim), Lori Kates, BeeGee Hayden (Jim), and Molly Ascheman (Mark); brothers Bo Gillin (Libby) and Jamie Gillin (Dana), sister-in-law Marsha Gillin, a special grandson that lived with her and was her caregiver, Michael Simonson Jr; Chelsey Simonson and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and a large extended family.

A private family Celebration of Life is being planned.