Helen Newcomb

Helen was born in Murray Iowa to Elmer and Viola Burchett. Her family had a farm outside of town where she and her brother Dale were raised. She graduated from Murray High School and for a short time taught school in the area.

Helen moved to Des Moines where she began working for American Mutual Life Insurance Company as a mail opener. She eventually became a secretary and stayed with the company until she retired.

In 1969 Helen married Donald Newcomb, her beloved husband and best friend until his death in 2012. Helen and Don loved to travel and took many trips through-out the United States. For several years they left Des Moines for the warmer climate of Las Vegas during the winter.

After retiring Helen was a volunteer at the Methodist Hospital in downtown Des Moines. She made thousands of baby hats for all the newborn babies at the hospital. She was always on the look-out for cheap or free baby yarn for her hats.

Though Helen never had any children she was instrumental in helping her brother Dale raise his two girls, Donna and Dianna. To the very end she always had her “girls” as she loved to call them.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Viola Burchett, her brother William “Dale” Burchett, her husband Donald Newcomb and many other relatives and friends.

Since there will be no actual service for Helen, we ask that you join us in celebrating her life in your heart and thoughts.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Murray High School Scholarship for Helen (Burchett) Newcomb.
Murray High School
Murray Community School Scholarship Foundation
Attn: Dennis Jeter
216 Sherman Street
Murray, IA 50174

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