Helen Waltmire

Helen L. Waltmire, age 89, of McHenry, Ill., passed away Aug. 28, 2014, at Burr Oak Manor in Genoa City, Wis.

She was born May 7, 1925, the daughter of Thomas and Helen Frances (Hall) Smith. She married the late Robert Waltmire on Oct. 3, 1948, in Madison, Wis.

Helen was a member and active volunteer of the First United Methodist church in McHenry. She also enjoyed being a member of the McHenry Garden Club since she moved to McHenry in 2011.

In their retirement, she and her husband moved to Columbia Falls, near Glacier National Park, where they enjoyed the outdoors, motorcycle rides and their log cabin home. She enjoyed swimming, dancing, bird watching, gardening and going on cruises.

Her true passion was bright colored clothes and jewelry. Her best friend, Marion Spanroff, referred to her as Lady Helen, which described her well — a sweet and happy lady with a kind and grateful heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert and sister Claire Storie.

Helen is survived by her children Oscar Waltmire, Arne Waltmire and wife Diane, Ginger Rucker and husband Louis, and Beth Brewer and husband Tony; grandchildren Jessica Clear and husband Dave, Erica Quealy and husband Frank, Owen Waltmire, Eric Waltmire and wife Lydia, Neal Waltmire, Scott Waltmire, Angela Greenlee and husband Jim, and Gloria Brewer; great grandchildren Orion, Griffin, C.J., Cameron, Addison, Lauren, Ty and Jake; and sister Jean Benham.

A celebration of life was held at the First United Methodist Church in McHenry, Ill., on Sept. 6, 2014.

Because of her pure love of music and enjoyment of the church choir, her family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to the First United Methodist Church of McHenry, Ill., specified for the organ fund.