Helen graduated in 1945 from Jackson High School in Union City, Ohio. She retired from Mississinawa Valley School’s in 1989, after 22 years of service as a school aid. Helen along with her husband were farmers in the Union City, Ohio area where she enjoyed staying active with the family farm. Helen was involved in many organizations and councils including: Darke County Farm Bureau, Ohio Farm Bureau Camping Committees, Darke County 4-H organizations and was a member of Hillgrove Church and recently attended First Methodist Church of Greenville. She also enjoyed volunteering with many Darke County community service organizations as well. Helen especially enjoyed attending her family’s activities at the schools, sporting events and certainly at The Great Darke County Fair.
Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years Donald. Also, brother Lowell Kester & sister Wanda Kester Furby.
She is survived by sons David (Vickie) Hanes, James (Amy) Hanes both of Union City, Ohio and John (Diane) Hanes of Elkhart, IN. Also, grandchildren Chris (Nikki) Hanes, Nick (Sheri) Hanes, Heather (Jason) Manning, Josh (Nicia) Hanes, Dan (Amy) Hanes, Joe (Mary) Hanes, Jennie (Chris) Merry, Jamy Hanes and Fiancé Zach Friend, Samuel Hanes, Vincent Hanes, Aubrey Hanes: Great-Grandchildren Harley Hanes, Caden Hanes, Cole Hanes, Hadley Hanes, Riely Hanes, Quentin Hanes, Lucas Merry, James Merry, Belle Merry, Alexa Hanes, Olivia Hanes, Chloe Hanes, Reed Hanes, Morgan Hanes, Lane Manning, Shelby Manning, Colby Manning, Brennan Manning, Mackenzie Hanes and Jacob Hanes; Sister Katie (Henry Jr.) Runkle, Sister In-law Bernettia (late Lowell) Kester & Sister In-law Marilyn (John) Hanes Irvine.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday October 17, 2014 in the Zechar Bailey Funeral Home Greenville, Ohio with Pastor Angela Meeks officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M on Thursday in the funeral home.
It is the wishes of the family that Memorial Contributions be given to State of the Heart Hospice of Darke County or Darke County 4-H Foundation 603 Wagner Ave., Greenville, Ohio 45331.
Condolences for the family may be sent to www.zecharbailey.com
