Helen McElvain's Obituary
Helen McElvain, age 89 of Centerville, Iowa died Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at Golden Age Care Center, Centerville.
She was born November 1, 1922 in Centerville, Iowa, the daughter of Ralph and Violet (Woods) Shorts. Helen attended Centerville Schools and graduated from Centerville High School. She later earned her associate's degree from Centerville Community College.
Helen held numerous positions of employment throughout her working career. She worked as a secretary for both the CB&Q Railroad and Centerville Chamber of Commerce. Helen also worked at the Centerville National Bank. She dedicated many years working elections for the Appanoose County Republican Party. She married Paul Vernon McElvain on February 24, 1946 at the First Methodist Church in Centerville. After moving to the farm with her husband Paul, Helen was active in the YW Study Club, Farm Bureau, the Gideons, and was an active member of the Seymour Methodist Church.
Helen enjoyed several hobbies, including traveling, singing, gardening, flowers, crafts, reading, and church activities.
She is survived by her husband Paul McElvain of Centerville, Iowa; four children, Bonnie (Hugo) Keyner of Vail, Arizona, Terry (Janice) McElvain of Centerville, Iowa, John (Marcella) McElvain of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and James (Melinda) McElvain of Corydon, Iowa; son-in-law Arnt Hampton of McMinnville, TN; ten grandchildren, Jason (Wendy) McElvain of Centerville, Iowa, Jeremy McElvain of Centerville, Iowa, Jeff McElvain of Papallion, Nebraska, Chris (Kaley) McElvain of Homestead, Iowa, Darcie (Dan) Feller of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Jessica (Shawn) Panich of Evansville, Wisconsin, Skyler and Austin McElvain of Corydon, Iowa, Aaron (Gretchen) Hampton of Columbia, Tennessee, Kendall (Amanda) Hampton of Nashville, Tennessee; eight great grandchildren, RJ and Alyssa McElvain of Centerville, Iowa, Adalynn McElvain of Homestead, Iowa, Cole Feller of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Jessie, Luke, and Marianne Hampton of Columbia, Tennessee, and Emma Hampton of Nashville, Tennessee; and a sister Lola Shorts of Centerville, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a daughter Sandra Hampton.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Monday, January 30, 2012 at Lange Funeral Home in Centerville with Pastor Kay Singley officiating. A visitation will be held Sunday at Lange Funeral Home from 12-8 PM, with the family present from 6-8 Sunday evening. Interment will follow the funeral service in the Jerome Cemetery. Memorials have been established to the Seymour Methodist Church and may be given to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be shared at www.langefh.com.
Visitation
January 29, 2012 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 856-2000
Funeral Service
January 30, 2012 11:00 AM
Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 856-2000
What’s your fondest memory of Helen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Helen?
Share a story where Helen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Helen you’ll never forget.
How did Helen make you smile?