Peggy Lou Helms, 86, of Keokuk, IA, died Monday, June 12, 2017 at River Hills Village in Keokuk. She was born on January 26, 1931 in Knox City, MO, the eldest child of Ray F. and Iva Small Nesbitt. Peggy attended Knox City consolidated schools, graduating from High School in 1949. In 1950, Peggy was united in marriage to John Haley Spicer of LaBelle, MO. The Spicers lived in Kirksville, LaPlata, Wyaconda, Callao and Canton, MO while Mr. Spicer attended college or served as the Public School Administrator. Mr. Spicer died unexpectedly, after a short illness, in 1964. The Spicer's were parents of five children. Peggy and her young family moved to Keokuk in 1965. She married Orrin D. Helms of Monticello, MO in 1966. The couple had one son, Matthew Helms. Mrs. Helms worked in the Personnel Department of Sheller Globe in Keokuk, then started college when her children completed school. She attended Southeastern Community College in Keokuk and Culver Stockton College in Canton, MO, graduating with Honors in 1985. Upon graduation she worked for the Southeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging in Burlington, IA before accepting a position with the Hancock County Mental Health Center in Carthage, IL. She later transferred to the Mental Health Authority of West Central, IL. Her office was in Carthage, where she served as Case Coordinator and P.A.S. Agent for the developmentally disabled population in the area until her retirement in December 1999. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Keokuk. Mrs. Helms' life revolved around her children and grandchildren. They were her pride and joy and she treasured spending time with them. She also loved to travel, raise flowers and visit with her sister and close family and friends. She enjoyed life and people in general. Mrs. Helms is survived by four children, John (Cheryl) Spicer of Keokuk, Mark Spicer of Keokuk, Kelly (Mark) Neuendorf of Keokuk and Matt (Rhianon) Helms of Nauvoo, IL, a daughter-in-law, Yvonne Spicer of St. Maries, ID, a sister-in-law, Ann Spicer of Des Moines, IA, nine grandchildren, Brandi (Jerry) Wilson of Kahoka, MO, Bryan Spicer, Kevin (Jennifer) Spicer, Andrea (Casey) Long, Michael Neuendorf and Austin Spicer all of Keokuk, Regan Helms of Cedar Rapids,IA, Brandon Helms and Jacob Helms of Nauvoo, IL, seven great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, including Bobbi (Larry) Morgan of St. Charles, MO and special friend Gwen Pertl of St. Charles, MO. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, R.F. (Butch) Nesbitt, a sister, Joan McMullen, a daughter, Melody Spicer, a son, Dave Spicer, brothers-in-law, Dale McMullen and Mike Spicer and sister-in-law, Mary Kate Kelch. A Time of Remembrance was held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, June 17, 2017 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with close family friend, Robert Saint, officiating. Memorials may be made to the Donor's Choice.