Helen A. Mernaugh

No Visitation is planned. Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Creston. Memorials may be directed to Holy Spirit Catholic Church and/or St. Malachy School.
Helen Aramantha Mernaugh, the daughter of John and Myrtle Belle (Beam) McIntyre, was born on November 5, 1914, at Letcher, South Dakota. Helen entered eternal rest on January 27, 2009, at Creston Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Creston, Iowa, at the age of ninety-four years, two months and twenty-four days.
Helen graduated from high school at Letcher, South Dakota. Helen taught country school in Loomis, South Dakota for two years prior to her marriage.
Helen married James Donald (“Don”) Mernaugh in 1936 in South Dakota. During WW II, Helens husband served in the U.S. Navy “Seabees” so Helen worked in a defense factory in Detroit for a time and also lived in Seattle until Dons discharge. In 1946, they moved to southwest Iowa and farmed in Decatur County, Adams County, then in Union County from 1952 until 1986. While still helping with the farm operation in Union County, Helen worked at Greater Community Hospital doing “hands on” patient care for about 20 years. Helen continued using her skills as an in-home caregiver to several home-bound patients for about five years.
Helen was an active member of her Catholic faith community, Holy Spirit Catholic Church and spent several years volunteering at Holy Spirit Rerun Shop after her retirement. Helen enjoyed playing bridge with her pals; and reading has been her favorite recreation since she was a child.
Left to cherish Helens memory are her sisters: Rosemary Marsh, Reliance, South Dakota; and Frances Parr, Helena, Montana; and many, nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceding Helen in death were her Parents; Husband, Don, in 1986; Son, Michael John Mernaugh , on November 11, 2006; her Sisters: Bernice Clark, Nettie Gosch, Ione McIntyre, and Irma Larimer; and her Brothers: Richard, William and John McIntyre.