HUUS, Helen Margaret 1913-2011

HUUS

Posted By: K. Kittleson
Date: 2/8/2011 at 13:35:19

ANACORTES, WASHINGTON - Helen Margaret Huus was born on Nov. 1, 1913, in Northwood, Iowa, the daughter of Jacob Haaverson and Mary Belle (Tiffany) Huus.

She died on Feb. 1, 2011, at San Juan Rehabilitation and Care Center, Anacortes, Wash.

Helen received her early education in the Northwood elementary and high schools. Following graduation as valedictorian in 1932, she attended the University of Northern Iowa, interspersing teaching in a one-room rural school. In 1940, Helen received her B.A. degree, magna cum laude. She then attended the University of Chicago, receiving her master's degree in 1941, and her Ph.D. in 1944, majoring in teacher education and reading. She was the research assistant to Dr. Williams S. Gray, the noted reading authority and author of the "Dick and Jane" reading series.

During World War II, Helen enlisted in the WAVES, was commissioned as an ensign, and commanded the Educational Services Office in Washington, D.C. She stayed in the Naval Reserves, retiring as a commander, USNR, in 1973. Dr. Huus's professional career included teaching for two years at Wayne State University, 20 years at the University of Pennsylvania, and 11 years at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

A Fulbright Research Scholarship to Norway allowed Helen to spend the 1950-1951 academic year studying their schools, and resulted in a book, "The Education of Children and Youth in Norway". She also authored many other publications, journals, and articles for the elementary grades. After retirement, she wrote and implemented a curriculum in literature for the elementary grades for the State of Missouri.

Her travels included fifteen trips to Norway, two trips around the world, every U.S. state, and Canadian province, plus tours to Russia, Israel, China, Central America, and South America.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Clara Cartmell.

She is survived by her sister, Ada Huus of Anacortes, Wash.; nephews and spouses, James Cartmell of Seattle, Wash., Carol Cartmell of Seattle, Wash., Richard and Lori Cartmell of Anacortes; great-nieces and nephews, Michael Cartmell, Jeffrey Cartmell, Jessica and Eric Raman, Jenny and Angel Sebastian, and Derek Cartmell; great-great-niece and nephew, Miranda and Oliver Sebastian; along with other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 9, at the Anacortes Lutheran Church with interment at Sunset Rest Cemetery, in Northwood, Iowa, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please remember your favorite charity.

[Published in the Globe Gazette online, February 8, 2011]