Helen Louise McMurray
September 06, 2012
Helen was born November 24, 1923, to Lettie and Elmer Pieart. She graduated from Lincoln High. Helen and Harold were high school sweethearts and married January 24, 1943.
Harold enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 and served as a Ball Turret Gunner on a B-17. On May 1, 1945, his plane was shot down. Helen only knew that he was “missing in action,” but in her heart she believed he was alive. Eventually, she was notified that he was a Prisoner of War. They were reunited after he was liberated and sent home at the end of the war.
Helen and Harold had two daughters, Pam and Pat. Her greatest love and accomplishments were her family and her church. She was an elder in the Presbyterian Church and served as Clerk of Session for over 30 years.
Helen volunteered for many years at Cattell Elementary School, and when the children needed extra help, she tutored them in her home.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, and her parents. She is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Pam and Haynes Harbaugh, and Pat and Ron Howarth; five grandchildren, Heidi, Hillary, Keely, Ryan, and Shelby; 12 great-grandchildren, Maddie, Cierra, Trevor, Travis, Amanda, Vinny, Olivia, Chris, Sophie, Brady, Ansley and Devin; brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Helen Pieart; and brothers, Don Pieart and John Pieart.
Helen spent the last 12 years at Valley View Village in a cottage, custodial care, and transitioning into healthcare nearly two years ago. We wish to thank the residents and staff for the loving friendships and care she received while living there. Our deepest gratitude to Iowa Health Hospice who has changed all our lives forever.
Memorial services will be held 11 a.m., Monday, September 10, 2012, at Union Park Presbyterian Church, 1307 Thompson Avenue, Des Moines, with burial at Colfax Cemetery in Colfax, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be made to Iowa Health Hospice or Union Park Presbyterian Church in loving memory of Helen.
Online condolences may be made to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Nadine erixson-calhoon
09/09/2012
My heart is very sad this morning after I read of a great ladys' passing out of our lives but to where she is at peace. Helen was a source of kindness and
love for all she knew. Knowning all her familyis missing her. I send my condolence.
Adam Smith
09/08/2012
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sorry for your loss.
Kari Pieart Aufenkamp
09/07/2012
I am very sorry for your loss. Great Aunt Helen was a wonderful woman, and a wonderful tutor. She was kind enough to help me when I was doing poorly in math. She will be greatly missed. Once again, she is with her sweetheart Harold. Love all of you.
mara swanson
09/07/2012
There are some things that never, ever leave us...a mother's love is one of them. Helen's parting is not the end of your relationship, only an interruption. Your beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister is now experiencing the joy of Christ's presence in a place so wonderful that Christ called it Paradise. And one day, in a magnificent reunion, you and Helen will be with the Lord forever. Helen lived a remarkable and wonderful life and she loved you all so very much!