Helen Louise “Weeze” Truex, 90, Nappanee, died at 1:15 a.m. Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Wakarusa, where she had resided since May. She was born Nov. 12, 1925, in Kosciusko County to Dewey and Mildred (Hapner) Hoffer. On Aug. 5, 1965, she married Dale “Twink” Truex. He preceded in death April 30, 1976.

Helen lived her lifetime in Nappanee area. She was a 1943 graduate of Nappanee High School. Her first job was working at Miller’s Grocery Store. She graduated from the Tobias Beauty College in South Bend. Following graduation, she worked at the Walter’s Beauty Shop for 9 years. In 1953, she opened Helen’s Beauty Shop and retired in 2003, after 60 years of service. For many years, Helen was the hairdresser for Wright-Yoder and Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Homes.

Mrs. Truex enjoyed traveling with her husband. She was an avid Cubs fan and a proud Chevy owner. She enjoyed working outdoors and attending sporting events for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Thanksgiving dinners in her home were their family tradition every year.

Helen was a member of the Nappanee United Methodist Church. She was active member of the Nappanee Eastern Star and then Warsaw Chapter 88 Eastern Star for over 60 years. Since 1948, she held an office in the Eastern Star every year except two. She was also a lifetime member of the Nappanee American Legion Post 154 and Nappanee VFW Auxiliaries, and the Ladies Auxiliary of Goshen VFW post 985. Helen was a member of the Plymouth Hairdressers Association from 1953 – 1993. She was a member of the State and National Hairdressers and Cosmetology Associations for over 50 years.

Surviving are two stepdaughters: Wendy (Mike) Strang, Nappanee; Jennifer (Robert) Seward, Syracuse; stepson-in-law: Alan (Karen) Hand, Nappanee; grandchildren: Tiff Schwartz; Trevor Gochenour; Kurt Hand; Shana DeHaven; six great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law: Richard Gardner, Venice, Fla.; nieces: Carolyn (Tim) Racco, Punta Gorda, Fla.; Dixie (Tom) Pifer, Warsaw; and a nephew: Rich Felabom, Plymouth. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; stepdaughter: Pat Hand; sisters: Burdena Felabom; Barbara Gardner; brother-in-law: Richard Felabom; and niece: Barbara Gardner.

Family and friends may call from 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral services with an Eastern Star Memorial Service will begin at 4 p.m. Rev. Janet McFall-Brown will officiate and burial will be in Bremen Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to American Heart Association, United Cancer Services of Elkhart County or The Center for Hospice.

“ A Beautiful Life” – A beautiful life that came to an end, she died as she lived, everyone’s friend. In our hearts a memory will always be kept of one we loved and will never forget.