Helena M. Russell
April 09, 2019
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Service Details
Helena Mae Russell was born in Des Moines on March 24, 1946, to Charles Love and Minnie Love (Reece). She grew up in the Southside bottoms and graduated from East High School in 1964. Helena spent many years working at Woolco (Denver, CO) in her younger years. She worked part-time at Dixie's Furniture & Gifts for several years, in conjunction with giving 23 years as the manager to Dolly Madison Bakery in north Des Moines until they closed in 2001. She retired from Prairie Meadows working as a cage cashier. She returned seasonally after retirement working in pari-mutuels for horse racing season. She loved her friends and family. She showed her love through cooking, listening un-judgmentally, giving the best (blunt) advice, and calling you the wrong name three different times and ending with, "…whoever you are."
Helena was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Richard Love and Daniel Love, and her lifelong best friend Dixie Bailey. She is survived by her brother Larry Love, children Richelle (Travis) Goodwin (a.k.a. Rikki Russell) of Des Moines, Tim (Michelle) Russell of Clear Lake, grandchildren Brandy (Mike VanMeer) Schnathorst, Brandon Angus, Breanne Angus, Courtney Russell, Austin Russell, great-grandchildren Brian Schnathorst, Niahna Schnathorst, Ian Schnathorst, Amira Angus and many other family and friends.
Services will be held at Scotch Ridge Presbyterian Church (13013 Scotch Ridge Road, Carlisle, Iowa 50047) on Saturday, April 13th at 4 PM. Fellowship to follow on site.
Erick Peterson
04/13/2019
I've had good days and bad days at Prairie Meadows but everyday I got to see Helena was a very special day she was a sweetheart I will miss her dearly and my thoughts and prayers goes out to her family
Jeanie L Jameson
04/12/2019
My heart is saddened with the loss of such a wonderful person...knew
"Ma" from working with her as a cage cashier...loved her right away...her honesty was always right to the point....her family absolutely meant the world to her....always had a great story to tell .....will truly miss her....may the Lord take you all in his arms for comfort ....
Cindy Braniger
04/12/2019
I got to know Helena when her and her best friend Dixie would come in to the Vickers Gas Station I work at in the 80s. And years later seen her at Prairie Meadows where she worked, being excited to see her again. I really liked Helena, she was a hard-working nice person. Rikki & Tim, I just want you both to know how sorry I am to hear of her passing. May she rest in peace with her best friend Dixie. ((Hugs)) to you.
Cynthia Kelly
04/12/2019
A woman who was truly an Angel on earth? My heart is breaking! I will forever remember your kindness and honery ways. I always noticed your struggles, your exhaustion, but had tremendous energy to love and fight like a true warrior. My heart hurts today. : ( I love you? Rest in peace my beautiful friend, wish I could have hugged you more often. I don't wanna say goodbye : (
Bob and Kathy Speer
04/12/2019
Helena the day we met you we loved you. We developed a relationship right away. You will be deeply missed. You were the "ROCK" of your family. May you rest peacefully now.
Kimberly Poole
04/12/2019
I've known Helena since I was a child , I and my family want to Express our condolences to the family . We have the fondest memories of her at the bakery as we lived behind it and also visiting her at her house on madison . Helena I'm absolutely heart broken to hear of your passing . You were a part of our family . R.I.P sweet lady
Kay Hill
04/11/2019
Helena was one of the nicest ladies I knew. Met her at Dixies and then at the bakery thrift store. She was a very pleasant lady. Did her ads for the Shopper Network. Prayers to her family. May she RIP.
Been Braatz
04/11/2019
Helena, I am at a loss for words. You've been my best friend over so many years. I'm heartbroken. At least you are painfree. My thoughts and prayers are with your kids and grandkids . Heaven gained a wonderful person. Rest in peace, my dear friend and sister-in-law.
Becki Meminger
04/11/2019
Heaven definitely received a wonderfully fantastic angel in Aunt Helena. She will continue to watch out for her family from above. Love to all.
June Black
04/11/2019
Prayers for the family.
Linda Bates Smith Clark
04/11/2019
Heaven is getting an angel. My heart is broken. A friend everyone should have in their lives. Known Helena for 64 years & true to her words. Going to miss her very much. With you it was unconditional love. See you on the other side.
Rikki
04/11/2019
Mom I dont know how to do this!!! I knew this day would eventually come but I wasnt prepared. I will do my best to make you proud and be the best person I can be. I just dont know how Im going to quit calling you every day when I know you cant answer. Your the best mom I could ever ask for and I already miss you so much??
Peggy Maschke
04/11/2019
She will be missed so much. When she worked in cage at Prairie Meadows she would keep us going every night. Her cinnamon rolls was the best I ever had. Prayers to the family and "Ma" R.I.P. memories of you will never be forgotten. {{Hugs}} to a dear sweet friend.