Helen Jane Shears

Helen Jane (nèe) Taft Shears, at age 98, passed away on January 9, 2026 at the Kirby Medical Center in Monticello, Illinois. Helen was born in Rochester, Illinois on February 21, 1927 and was a long-time resident of Divernon and Springfield, Illinois. For the past two years, Helen has lived at the Piatt County Nursing Home in Monticello where she was favorite of the staff. She was preceded by her parents Justin Taft Sr., and Jennie Lynn (Craig) Taft, brothers William Web Taft, Justin Taft Jr., and Arnold C. Taft. She was also preceded in death by her son, David W. Burch Jr., of Divernon, Illinois.Helen graduated from Rochester High School and briefly attended the University of Illinois.Helen was retired from General Electric Company (office formerly in Springfield) where she had worked as an Administrative Secretary for many years. She was interested in electric power generation and Central Illinois power generating facilities. She was actively involved the American Society of Administrative Professionals (formerly known as National Secretaries Association, Abraham Lincoln Chapter), where she was President 1965-66. In 2025 she was honored as an 80-year member of the Flower City Chapter within the Order of the Eastern Star and Past Matron. She was also a proud member the Daughters of the American Revolution and enjoyed the Central Illinois Daylily Society of Rochester/Springfield. She is survived by her eldest son, Stephen L. (Georgeann) Burch, grandson Joseph D. Burch (Andrea), granddaughter Elizabeth J. Carter (Chad), and great-grandson, Wesley D. Carter. She also is survived by many Taft nephews, nieces, and cousins. Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 13, from 11:00am until the time of the funeral service at 12:00PM, begining with services from the Order of the Eastern Star, at Park Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St. in Rochester, Illinois with burial to immediately follow.