Helen R. Marshall

Helen Ruth Marshall, 96, of Kearney, died Sunday, June 28, 2015 at her home. Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Stephen Price-Gibson officiating. Memorials are suggested to Donor’s choice or to the family per Helen’s private wishes. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Helen Ruth Havens was born September 27, 1918 in Sac City, Iowa to Lucian E. and Ella (Bowles) Havens. She graduated from Sac City High School in 1936 where she was on the track team and the swimming team as the school gym had an indoor swimming pool. She enjoyed playing the viola until college. A highlight for Helen was playing “Jo” in the school play “Little Women.” She would later attend Nebraska Wesleyan University where she met Chester O. Marshall. In 1938, she was named Beauty Queen. The judges for the event were Gracie Allen, George Burns, and Betty Grable. During her time at Nebraska Wesleyan she was asked to sing at a book review for Bess Streeter Aldrich. Helen was united in marriage to Chester O. Marshall on December 1, 1938. The couple enjoyed 49 years of marriage until Chester’s death in 1987. She would later earn her Teaching degree from Kearney State Teacher College in 1957. Teaching was Helen’s passion. She taught at Kenwood and Central Elementary schools for a total of 27 years. She taught kindergarten and encouraged many students and was respected and admired by her colleagues. Helen was involved in the community as a member of the First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. She enjoyed being part of several church activities. Helen was also a charter member of Chapter FN P.E.O., serving all offices during her 78 years as a member. She was also involved in Shriner’s Auxiliary, Camp Fire Leaders, Faculty Wives, Red Hats, D.A.R., Garden Club, Sewing Club, Book Club, Golden K Kiwanis, Alpha Delta Kappa, and the N.E.A. Helen enjoyed volunteering at the Good Samaritan Hospital, Trails and Rails Museum and MONA. She was an avid Nebraska Cornhusker Football fan, attending all games until she was in her nineties. Helen loved to travel, attend concerts, play bridge and knit. Above all she loved her family and friends. She will be remembered for her lovely smile gracious manners and her warm and nurturing teacher, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend. Helen always looked for the best in people. Her faith meant so much to her and it was obvious in the way she lived. She is survived by her daughters, Joan Hartman of Kearney and foster daughter, Kathy Wood and her husband, Bob of Conroe, TX; grandchildren, Barbara Jean Berkevick and husband, Daniel, and their daughters, Jessica and Jenna of Burnett, WI, Sue Ann Hartman of Jacksonville, NC and her children, Jordan and Taylor of Jacksonville, NC; foster grandchildren, Debbie Young and husband, Scott and their son, Matthew of Dunwoody, GA, Denise Hobbs and her children, Brian and Jennifer Hobbs of Conroe, TX; foster great great grandchildren, Matthew Young and Ryley Hobbs; as well as, many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Chester, she was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Frances and Jean; brother, Dwight; foster grandson, Gregg Fisher; nephews, R.E. and Dan Havens; niece, Wendy Marshall; brothers-in-law, Hunt and Dean Marshall, Allen Packer; sisters-in-law, Mary Kay Marshall and Louise Marshall.

Helen R. Marshall

September 29, 1918 - June 28, 2015