Helen Eileen Kightlinger, 89, passed away peacefully Sunday surrounded by family.

She was born Oct. 15, 1927 in Queens, New York, the daughter of the late Oral Glenn and Georgianna (Cleary) Burton.

Helen moved to Marion, Indiana as a child and relocated to Hoosier Village Retirement Center in Indianapolis in 2011, following the death of her husband, Jack Kightlinger, after 60 years of marriage.

She graduated from Bennett High School, Marion, in 1945 and attended Indiana University, where she was an art student.

Helen was a prolific artist and received state-wide recognition for her paintings and collages. A member of the Grant County Art Association, she exhibited her work for more than 25 years, receiving awards from Hoosier Salon and the Indiana State Fair. She participated in the First Annual Exhibition of the 500 Festival of the Arts in 1966. Helen also taught a popular art class at the YWCA in Marion for more than 25 years. Later, she became adept at quilting.

Helen is survived by her son, Drew, and his wife, Janet; daughter, Cathy; granddaughters Erin Jones (Philip) and Laura Kightlinger; great-grandsons, Ian and Benjamin Jones; sister, Mary Martin, brother, Glenn Burton (Anita), sister-in-law, Joanie Burton and several nieces and nephews.

Calling will be Friday (Jan. 13) from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Chapel at Hoosier Village, 9875 Cherryleaf Dr., Indianapolis. The funeral Mass will be Saturday (Jan. 14) at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 7200 Sarto Dr., Indianapolis. She will be buried alongside Jack at Marion National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to BHI Foundation, Hoosier Village Veterans Memorial Project, 9875 Cherryleaf Drive, Indianapolis, 46268.

Online condolences may be made at www.ravenchoate.com

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