GARBE, Helen J. (1930-2016)

GARBE

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/2/2017 at 23:55:21

Helen Jean Garbe
(March 26, 1930 - August 1, 2016)

Helen Jean Thomas Garbe, 86, passed away on Monday, August 1st at Trinity Center Luther Park in Des Moines. She was born March 26th, 1930 in Farrar, Iowa to Raymond and Edna (DeReus) Thomas. She is predeceased by her husband Kermit; daughter-in-law Elaine Garbe; parents Ray and Edna Thomas, brothers Harold, Howard and Melvin Thomas; and sisters Dorothy Brashear and Wilma Wright.
She is survived by her children, William Garbe, Robert Garbe, Betty (Leath) Drake and Brenda (Mike) Greaves; grandchildren, Katie (Shawn) Sampson, Jered (Sarah) Drake, Carrie (Steve) McGinnis, and Ryan Garbe; three great-grandchildren, Charlotte Smith, Anderson Drake and Brayden McGinnis; sisters, Colleen (Ron) Henderson, Beverly Iske and Sharon (Jack) Starmer; sister in law, Rose Thomas; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Helen grew up in a large farm family during the depression. It was there that she learned the value of hard work, strong family ties and a love of nature. When WWII broke out, Helen worked hard on the farm as her brothers went off to war. After the war, Helen met Kermit W. Garbe, a former soldier working on a nearby farm. Kermit later purchased his own farmstead near Knoxville, Iowa where they were married on June 26th, 1949. Along with raising corn, beans, hogs, and some beef cattle, they also raised their four children.
After retirement in 1979, the couple moved to Indianola, Iowa. It was here that Helen continued to show her spirit of generosity by caring for the elderly in the community and volunteering through her church. Although she was a naturally shy person, her warm smile and sweet sense of humor were apparent to all who came to know her.
Helen loved to bake and was especially known for her wonderful pies, which she would give to friends and family. Her lifelong love of nature was evident in the joy she found in her flower and vegetable gardens. She also enjoyed feeding and watching birds. Other interests included sewing, making crafts, attending various festivals, as well as the state and county fairs. Most of all, Helen enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.
Services for Helen Jean Garbe, 86, who passed away Monday, August 1, 2016, will be held 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 3 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola with burial following in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12 to 1:30 p.m. prior to services. This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, [http://www.overtonfuneral.com/]