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Helen Hortense Stanberry
Helen Stanberry’s earthly life ended on April 4, 2009, when her faith carried her into God’s heavenly Kingdom. Helen was born in Benton City on September 9, 1913, to William Alan and Mary Bertha Hall. In May 1936, she and Hugh Stanberry were joined in Holy Matrimony in Ponca City, Oklahoma, and lived their married lives in Mexico. In addition to her roles as loving wife and mother, she worked in a local shoe factory, the A&P Grocery, and the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. From 1954 to 1983 Helen endeared herself to thousands of patients at the Audrain County Medical Center where she worked as a Nurse’s Aide. Through her special smile and her gentle touch she brought comfort to so many residents of Mexico, Audrain County and other areas as well. To her grandchildren she was affectionately known as “Nanny” and “Grandma Stanberry.” Upon retirement she became known as “Nanny” to a number of children in Mexico as she provided loving care to children whose parents were working outside the home. Helen’s servant heart reached so many people through her work, her service in the First Baptist Church, her kindness to friends, and, most importantly, her love for her family.
While many knew Helen for her special smile and kindness, those closest to her were blessed through her faith. In 1977 when her oldest son, David, died at the age of 40 from cancer, she blessed her family and friends with this strong faith. Helen truly lived the belief that it was more blessed to give than to receive. Her patients, friends, church, and family will be forever grateful.
Ninety of Helen’s 95 years of life were spent in Mexico and/or nearby areas. For the thirty-six years prior to moving to Texas to be near her son, Marlin, Helen lived on Woodlawn Avenue in Mexico. Here she enjoyed gardening and visits from her friends, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The Mexico community paid her so many compliments for the meticulous care she took of her home and yard. Her family will always be grateful for one special friend who planted a tree on the lot where the Stanberry home once stood.
In 2007 with Marlin, and his wife Karen, Helen moved from Texas to Overland Park, Kansas. During her years in nursing facilities, and right up to the day she joined her Savior in Heaven, she continued to brighten the lives of those around her with her smile and her kind words.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh, in November 1969 and her son, David, in May 1977, along with 10 siblings.
Helen’s immediate family includes her son, Marlin, his wife, Karen of Olathe, Kansas, and her daughter in-law, Pat Zagnoni, of Overland Park, Kansas. Grandchildren are Stephanie Clark and her husband Scott of Overland Park, Kansas, Stephen Stanberry and his wife Cheryl, of Independence, Jeffrey Stanberry of Long Beach, California, Kari Stanberry of Kansas City, Missouri, and Katie Brymer and her husband, Ryan, of Bedford, Texas. Great-grandchildren include Tyler and Chandler Clark, Bethany and Christina Stanberry and Lincoln Joshua Brymer, born 4 days prior to Helen’s death.
Helen will be remembered as a person of great faith. Memorial services will be held at the Pickering Funeral Home in Mexico at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 10. At 10:00 a.m. Helen’s family will welcome friends at the Pickering Funeral Home.
Her family requests memorials be given to the American Cancer Society. |
