Helen Christene (Smock) Carle, 91, of Webster, Illinois, passed away at 11:35 a.m. Sunday, March 6, 2022 at her home.

Christene was born April 12, 1930 to Lee and Margaret (Icenogle) Smock in Hancock County, Illinois. She married Harvey Carle on August 18, 1946. Together they raised seven children.

Mourning her loss are the surviving five children: Elizabeth Joan (JD) Shipman of Webster, Janet Elaine (the late Robert) Root of Colchester, Illinois, Lou Ann (Joe) Pence of Carthage, Illinois, Jerry Alan (Cathy) Carle of Gresham, Oregon and Donald Kirk (Candy) Carle of Nauvoo, Illinois; one son-in-law: Minton Dings and one daughter-in-law: Patty Carle. Also mourning her loss are sixteen grandchildren; twenty three great-grandchildren; fifteen great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law: Maxine Johnson of Carthage and Shirley Carle of Macomb and many nieces, nephews, friends and care giver: Gary Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Harvey; one daughter: Karen Dings; one son: Edward; one granddaughter: Tina Barclay and one granddaughter-in-law: Catarina Carle and special friends: Paul Powell and Charles Blue.

Christene was known for her delicious pies and was nicknamed "The Pie Lady." She was a wonderful cook and in the 1990s served many smorgasbord meals in her home. She proudly published three cook books. She also held several bake and craft sales at her home and at The Annex in LaHarpe, baking 150 pies for each sale. Christine always had candy and cookies on hand for her visitors. She enjoyed making homemade bread and noodles and canning pickles. Besides cooking at home she also worked for a time at Tink's Café in Blandinsville and Robert Morris College in Carthage.

She was a woman of strong faith and a member of the Webster Community Church.

Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2022 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe where the family will receive friends 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.

The funeral service for Mrs. Carle will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 12th at Banks & Beals with Pastor Connie Corder officiating. Burial will follow in McConnell-Geddes Cemetery, near Fountain Green, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for the Fountain Green Fire Department, McConnell-Geddes Cemetery or the family. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit Mrs. Carle's obituary at banksandbeals.com.