Helen L. Kirkley

Helen L. Kirkley, 83, a life time area resident, living in River Park since 1994, died of natural causes in her residence at 7:03 a.m. on Sunday, May 6, 2007.

She was born in Plymouth, the daughter of Paul R. and Bernice A. Casper Berger on July 12, 1923. She graduated from LaPaz High School with the class of 1941, and Elkhart Business College.

On December 17, 1944, in Plymouth, Helen and Robert E. Kirkley were married. Bob died in February of 2000. The couple farmed for two years before moving to Plymouth where Bob worked with his uncle as a well driller for several years. After a few more years, when television came on the market, Helen worked with her husband, first in a television sales, repair, and tower store, followed by the development and growth of the Pi-Rod Tower Co.

A homemaker, she worked in the successful business for over 20 years.

She was a great conversationalist and loved talking with her family and friends. She especially enjoyed playing cards at the River Park club house.

Helen enjoyed reading, crocheting and crafting hand towels. She was a whiz at crossword puzzles.

A member of the Hospital Auxiliary, Helen volunteered at the hospital gift shop.

A member of the Friendly 30 Home Demonstration Club, she served as past president of the Marshall County Genealogical Society.

Helen is survived by her five children, three daughters and two sons. Her daughters are Cynthia M. (Patric) Smith, Flowery Branch, Ga.; Susan E. (Jerry) Fish, Lawrenceville, Ga.; and Patricia A. Kirkley, Dallas, Ga.

Her sons are William L. (Betsy) Kirkley, Colorado Springs, Co.; and Robert P. (Cindy) Kirkley, Mishawaka, Ind.

Ten grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren also survive, together with a sister, Ruth (Bernard) Schrome, Lakeville, Ind., and a brother, Clifford R. (Loretta) Berger, Plymouth, Ind. Several nieces and nephews survive as well.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband and Lorraine A. Kirkley, a daughter-in-law.

Friends are invited by her family to celebrate the life of Helen Kirkley on Thursday, May 10, 2007, from 3 to 8 p.m., and after 7 a.m. on Friday, May 11, at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth.

Funeral services for Helen will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 11, 2007, in the funeral home. The Rev. Rustin Krapfl, pastor of the Sunrise Chapel where Helen was a member, will officiate.

Burial will be in New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.

Memorial gifts in Helen’s memory may be made to The Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Inc., 11350 McCormick Rd., Suite 906, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 or to the Robert E. Kirkley Memorial Scholarship of the Marshall County Community Foundation, 2701 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, Ind. 46563.