Helen Irene Emery

STOUGHTON-Helen (Hill) Rickman Emery, age 82, of Stoughton, passed away on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, from Alzheimer's disease. She was born on July 10, 1933, in Edgerton, the daughter of Frank and Gladys Hill. She graduated from Stoughton High School. She married Robert Rickman in 1955. Helen worked as a florist at Flagstad's Flower Shop in Madison. She later managed Steven's House of Gifts in Madison and started her own wedding flower business, Butterfly Bouquets. Helen also spent many years as director of the Monona Senior Center before retiring. She was resourceful, creative and cared deeply for others. Helen loved her family. She always maintained her sense of humor and gentle nature. Helen spent many hours compiling and teaching genealogy and was devoted to her church. She went on a wonderful trip to Norway with her sister in 1999. Helen always loved butterflies and had an extensive collection. She is survived by her daughter, Roben Ellen Rickman; grandson , Corry Gardiner; granddaughter, Aerial Bailey; sister, Darlene Cornell of Eau Claire; sister-in-law, Marletta Hill; several dearly-loved nieces and nephews, Brian (Kari) Cornell, Kristen (Matt) Gundry, Wendy Brabender, Natalie (Mark) Howard, Bill (Jan) Hill, Peggy (Jacob) Klingbeil and Tammy Michaelis; and several special grand and great-grandnieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Robert Rickman; and brother, Robert Hill. A memorial service will be held at THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, 825 S. Van Buren St., Stoughton, at 11 a.m., on Friday, July 1, 2016. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Memorials may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Exhibit. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Stoughton Funeral & Cremation Care 1358 Hwy. 51 @ Jackson St. (608)873-4590