Helen L. McMains

MASON CITY: Helen L. McMains, 94, joined her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, on March 22, 2009, after 5 months of ill health. Helen was a long time member of the Mark Baptist Church and Davis County until 2003 when she and LaVern moved to Mason City, IA to be closer to their daughter.

Helen was born May 11, 1914 to Lewis and Jeannette Kimball and was raised in several small towns in Southern Iowa. She attended 7 different schools and graduated from Moulton High School in 1933. Her father, Lewis, started Benner T grocery stores requiring the family to move nine times during Helens 12 years of school.

Helen accepted Christ at a young age and continued serving Christ all of her life. She played the piano for church for almost 70 years. She married LaVern McMains on November 25, 1933, and to this union three children were born. They farmed for 45 years in the Mark, IA area. Their lives were centered around the church, family, and hard work. They retired in 1978 and moved to Bloomfield, living at 406 N.W. Street for 25 years before their move to Mason City, IA. They joined the First Baptist Church where their son-in-law, Ron, is the pastor.

Helen was faithful to read the Bible daily and attend church services. She enjoyed music, crocheting, gardening, sewing, visiting and telling grandchildren about her early life. She and LaVern had 72 years and 9 months together. Their children had hosted many celebrations honoring anniversaries and birthdays with family gathering from all over the United States to be with them.

Survivors include three children, Charles (Judy) of Mesa, AZ, Karen (Ron) Stein of Mason City, IA, and Phil of Biloxi, MS, 9 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Annabelle Kimball, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one brother, Harold Kimball.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the First Baptist Church, 125 E. State St., Mason City, IA. Funeral services will be held at the Wagler Funeral Home, Bloomfield, IA, Friday, March 27, at 10:00 AM, with Rev. Ronald Stein officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 26th, 2008 at the funeral home in Bloomfield.