Helen L. Heeter
Helen L. Heeter, 94, North Manchester, passed away on Jan. 12, 2021, at Peabody Healthcare Center, North Manchester.
She moved to Peabody in 2017, where she reunited with family and made new friends. Born on Sept. 17, 1926, she was born in Laketon to Albert and Katherine (Gerrich) Brubaker. She was the second of five children.
She grew up in Ijamsville and attended Laketon School. She married Gail R. Heeter on April 5, 1947. They were married 49 years until Gail passed away on Jan. 2, 1997. Their first home was in Urbana before moving to South Bend. After many years there they chose to make Berryville, Ark., their permanent and retirement home. While Gail was an over-the-road driver, Helen tended her geese, chickens and garden on their small farm. She also did crafts, baked cookies for others, was an avid reader and enjoyed walking at the fitness center.
In retirement they enjoyed traveling, meeting people and seeing the United States. Their favorite place was Silver Dollar City in Branson, Miss. She was a charter member of the Southern Heights Baptist Church, Berryville.
She had two brothers: Wayne B. (Betty) Brubaker, who passed away Aug. 26, 1993; and PFC Max L. Brubaker, who was killed in the Vietnam War on Aug. 25, 1966; and a sister: Neva (James) Lyons, who passed away Oct.16, 1990. She is survived by a sister: Janet Montecuollo (Austin), who lives in St. Petersburg, Fla.; and may nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
A celebration to honor Helen’s life in North Manchester will be held at a later date. Burial will be held at Berryville Memorial Park Cemetery, Berryville, Bunch Springs Road, Berryville, Ark.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Helen L. Heeter, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.