of marriage together and were blessed with four children: Barb, Gary, Betty, and Joanne. Nellie was a homemaker and farmwife all her marriage. Nellie and Gus farmed and raised their family west of Bussey. When Gus died on March 11, 1997, Nellie moved to Knoxville from the farm. She lived in Knoxville enjoying her family and friends since 1997.
Nellie was a wonderful cook. She made excellent fried chicken and pies. She enjoyed sharing her food, her love, and her time with her family. She was a good card player. Her and Gus played with family and friends all their marriage. She also played for many years with her friends after Gus' passing. Nellie was a member of the Bussey Order of the Eastern Star and she was always active with the Bussey United Methodist Women.
Nellie is survived by her four children and their families. Her daughter Barb (John) Nichols and their two children; Laura (Scott) Drzycimski, with their children Ben and Faith; and Jeff Nichols with his children Claire and Korben. Her son Gary (Carol) Helwig and their two sons; Patrick (Tara) Helwig with their children Brock, Boston, Reed, and Nash; and Bryan (Anu) Helwig with their children Avi Alexander and Ascher Ariyan. Her daughter Betty (Jim) Bassett and their three children; Jennifer (Kevin) Wadle and their children Alex, Sam, and Abby; Jeremy (Melissa) Bassett and their children Alyssa, Brayden, and Lucas; and Kristi (Doug) Bermingham and their children Liam and Caelyn. And her daughter Joanne Smith and her two children; Joey (Jenny) Smith and their children Gavin, Aubrey, Kallen, and Quentin; and Jill (Donovan) Gregoire.
Nellie is preceded in death by her father Lloyd Winegardner and her mother Mary McCombs; her husband Wayne "Gus" Helwig; two sisters, Dorothy Messamaker and Wilma McKim; and one brother Junior Winegardner.
A Memorial will be established in Nellie's name for the Bussey United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left at www.winfieldfh.com. Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville is assisting Nellie's family.
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