Helen Margie JOHNSTON NELSON was born April 29, 1916, to Mary Estes BAKER and Veril Golden JOHNSTON in Knowlton, Iowa. She died February 8, 2001. She had two brothers, Vern and Myron and a sister Merna.

Her childhood was spent in Ringgold County surrounded by cousins. During high school, Helen boarded in Mount Ayr to attend school during the week. Helen graduated from high school in Diagonal, Iowa. Helen wanted to be a hair dresser but her dad convinced her to go to school to become a teacher. She taught in county schools in Ringgold and Taylor counties before she married.

Helen married Horace B. NELSON on May 28, 1942. They lived on the farm two miles south of Clearfield, Iowa until their retirement when they moved into town. During WWII she followed Horace and lived for short periods of time in Pennsylvania, Texas, and California. They had five children, Eugene, Ronald (died in infancy), Ruth, Leroy and Randall.

Helen was a hard worker. She always raised a big garden and canned the produce. Helen always raised chickens to eat and to have eggs. She instilled a sense of value and work ethic to her children. Everyone was welcomed into Helen's home. At several times she opened her home to those who were sick or needed help. Grandmother NELSON and Grandfather JOHNSTON and Ivan NELSON spent many months in her home. She willingly moved clothes around to make room for the guests.

Helen was active in the Christian Church. She taught Sunday school for several years. She decorated the bulletin boards for the church. She directed the Christmas programs for several years.

Helen participated in Ladies Auxiliary and was a 4-H leader for several years.

Helen always enjoyed doing crafts. She was very artistic. She liked to draw. She made several quilts for family members as gifts.

Helen was especially proud of her grandchildren. They are Nick, Kristin and Lauren NELSON of Des Moines; Megan and Michelle STOWE of Gillette, Wyoming; Clifford and Alicia NELSON of Moravia, Iowa; Tiffany, Christopher and Ashley NELSON of Knoxville, Iowa.

She is survived by her children, Eugene and children, Ruth, Bob and children, Leroy and Mary Ann and children, Randall, Sherri and children; sister-Merna JOHNSTON; sisters-in-law Rhoda JOHNSTON and Cuma JOHNSTON; and a host of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald Dee, Horace and brothers, and brothers-in-law, Vern, Myron, Lyle and Ivan.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 13, 2001, at the Christian Church, Clearfield, with Reverend Eydie STEPHENS officiating. Musicians were Jean HUFFMAN and Kathy NELSON. Casket bearers were Jim MASON, Kenny NELSON, Clinton BROWN, Richard MACKEY, Jerry HUFFINE and Alan BROWN.

Helen was laid to rest in the Clearfield Cemetery, Clearfield.

Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

SOURCE: genealogybuff.com

Transciption by Sharon R. Becker, March of 2010

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